Hybrid warfare as a strategic tool for shaping policy of the Russian Federation

The security policy of the Russian Federation has long created threats and imposed its will on Russia’s neighbors and other nations. In recent times, Russia uses the concepts of hybrid warfare to move conflicts and crises to neighboring countries without political consequences or an outright violation of international law. The use of hybrid war methods in relation to Ukraine proved to be partially effective and showed Russia’s will and capabilities to run such operations. These tactics circumvent possible engagement of the NATO and European Union (EU) members in enforcing international consequences and implementation of Article V of the Washington Treaty. The aim of the article is to analyze the hybrid warfare concept employed by Russia, its methods and impact on NATO and United States policy in all political aspects of the modern world. Moreover, the present article aims to present the perception of that concept by western nations. Study methods include a critical analysis and synthesis of reliable sources within the research. This study supports a deeper understanding of the complexity of the hybrid warfare model, and allows for the reader to draw practical conclusions on how to combat hybrid warfare by a single nation and multinational organizations.

https://doi.org/10.7862/rz.2020.hss.11

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