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Weissmann, Mikael, Docent, DrORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-5426-8238
Alternative names
Biography [eng]

Dr Mikael Weissmann is Associate Professor in War Studies and the Head of Research- and Deputy Head of the Land Operations Division at the Swedish Defence University’s Department of War Studies and Military History. He is also the Director of Studies for the PhD program in War Studies and the co-convenor of the Land Warfare Research Group (LWRG) and the Hybrid Warfare Research Group (HWRG). He is also a member of CSCAP-EU.

Weissmann has previously held positions at, among others, the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Swedish Defence Research Agency, Copenhagen University, Stockholm University, Uppsala University, and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). He has been a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and Peking University, Renmin University, and China Foreign Affairs University in China.

Weissmann holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Development Research from the University of Gothenburg (2009) and is a docent in War Studies at the Swedish Defence University (2016). He also holds an M.Soc.Sci. in Peace and Conflict Studies from Uppsala University (2003) and a B.A. in International Relations and Economics from the University of Queensland, Australia (2000).

Weissmann is the lead editor for Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations (I.B. Tauris, 2021) and for two Special Issues in Asian Perspective (2019) and Asian Survey (2015). He is also co-editor for the forthcoming book Russian Hybrid Warfare and Influence: Small States in the intersection between the East and West (Bloomsbury Academic). His work has appeared in journals like International Affairs, the Journal of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences, Washington Quarterly, Defence Studies, Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict, Asian Survey, Asian Perspective and the Journal of Baltic Security. Weissmann is also the author of the monograph The East Asian Peace: Conflict Prevention and Informal Peacebuilding (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012).

Besides the Swedish Defence University, Weissmann has been teaching at Stockholm-, Uppsala-, Gothenburg- and Södertörn University and at Renmin-, Peking- and China Foreign Affairs University in China.

Weissmann’s research on security, strategy and warfare focuses on four research themes:
1) Land Operations and Tactics, 
2) Hybrid Warfare and Foreign Interference, 
3) Intelligence Analysis, and 
4) China and East Asian Security and Strategy.

He is also interested in Teaching & Learning with a special interest in practical and scenario-based exercises and examination as well as Professional Military Education (PME).

His expertise includes:

- Land Warfare
- Urban Warfare
- Hybrid threats- and warfare
- Intelligence analysis
- Russian warfare and influence (particular interest in the Balkans)
- Strategic Communication and Influence
- Military operations and tactics
- Military tactical thinking
- China and East Asian security and strategy broadly defined.
- Practical and scenario-based exercises and examinations (including staff rides, wargames, case studies and simulations/roleplaying games)
- Professional Military Education (PME)

His research on China and East Asia focuses on

- China’s foreign policy and role in the world
- the South China Sea
- the North Korean nuclear conflict
- the Taiwan Issue
- Regional and Global Power Shift
- the Belt and Road initiative

Weissmann has also pursued research on track-two diplomacy, conflict management and peacebuilding as well as Sino-Russian and Europe’s relations with China and East Asia.

Biography [swe]

Dr Mikael Weissmann is Associate Professor in War Studies and the Head of Research- and Deputy Head of the Land Operations Division at the Swedish Defence University’s Department of War Studies and Military History. He is also the Director of Studies for the PhD program in War Studies and the co-convenor of the Land Warfare Research Group (LWRG) and the Hybrid Warfare Research Group (HWRG). He is also a member of CSCAP-EU.

Weissmann has previously held positions at, among others, the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, the Swedish Defence Research Agency, Copenhagen University, Stockholm University, Uppsala University, and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). He has been a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and Peking University, Renmin University, and China Foreign Affairs University in China.

Weissmann holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Development Research from the University of Gothenburg (2009) and is a docent in War Studies at the Swedish Defence University (2016). He also holds an M.Soc.Sci. in Peace and Conflict Studies from Uppsala University (2003) and a B.A. in International Relations and Economics from the University of Queensland, Australia (2000).

Weissmann is the lead editor for Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations (I.B. Tauris, 2021) and for two Special Issues in Asian Perspective (2019) and Asian Survey (2015). He is also co-editor for the forthcoming book Russian Hybrid Warfare and Influence: Small States in the intersection between the East and West (Bloomsbury Academic). His work has appeared in journals like International Affairs, the Journal of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences, Washington Quarterly, Defence Studies, Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict, Asian Survey, Asian Perspective and the Journal of Baltic Security. Weissmann is also the author of the monograph The East Asian Peace: Conflict Prevention and Informal Peacebuilding (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012).

Besides the Swedish Defence University, Weissmann has been teaching at Stockholm-, Uppsala-, Gothenburg- and Södertörn University and at Renmin-, Peking- and China Foreign Affairs University in China.

Weissmann’s research on security, strategy and warfare focuses on four research themes:
1) Land Operations and Tactics, 
2) Hybrid Warfare and Foreign Interference, 
3) Intelligence Analysis, and 
4) China and East Asian Security and Strategy.

He is also interested in Teaching & Learning with a special interest in practical and scenario-based exercises and examination as well as Professional Military Education (PME).

His expertise includes:

- Land Warfare
- Urban Warfare
- Hybrid threats- and warfare
- Intelligence analysis
- Russian warfare and influence (particular interest in the Balkans)
- Strategic Communication and Influence
- Military operations and tactics
- Military tactical thinking
- China and East Asian security and strategy broadly defined.
- Practical and scenario-based exercises and examinations (including staff rides, wargames, case studies and simulations/roleplaying games)
- Professional Military Education (PME)

His research on China and East Asia focuses on

- China’s foreign policy and role in the world
- the South China Sea
- the North Korean nuclear conflict
- the Taiwan Issue
- Regional and Global Power Shift
- the Belt and Road initiative

Weissmann has also pursued research on track-two diplomacy, conflict management and peacebuilding as well as Sino-Russian and Europe’s relations with China and East Asia.

Publications (10 of 53) Show all publications
Weissmann, M. & Nilsson, N. (2024). Current Intelligence and Assessments: Information Flows and the Tension between Quality and Speed. The international journal of intelligenca and counter intelligence, 1-17
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Current Intelligence and Assessments: Information Flows and the Tension between Quality and Speed
2024 (English)In: The international journal of intelligenca and counter intelligence, ISSN 0885-0607, E-ISSN 1521-0561, p. 1-17Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

This article takes a particular interest in the dynamics between information flows, continuous ongoing assessments, intelligence dissemination, and forward-looking operational advice. The point of departure is the tension between balancing quality (in the sense of in-depth processing of large amounts of information) and speed (meeting requirements of timeliness) in current intelligence assessments. The article takes an explorative approach to practices in current intelligence, utilizing qualitative interview data combined with open source material.

Keywords
Current Intelligence, Information Flows, Information, Quality vs Speed, Intelligence, Intelligence Analysis, AI, Dissemination, Abundance, Big Data, Producer-Consumer Relations, Technology
National Category
Other Social Sciences Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies)
Research subject
War Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-12223 (URN)10.1080/08850607.2023.2296886 (DOI)
Funder
Swedish Armed Forces, FoT, “Forskning och Teknik,” 2022, 2023
Available from: 2024-02-10 Created: 2024-02-10 Last updated: 2024-02-14
Weissmann, M. (2024). Guide till praktisk examination av praktiska moment: Konstruktiv länkning i praktiken i utbildningen av kadetter och officerare. Stockholm: Försvarshögskolan (FHS)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Guide till praktisk examination av praktiska moment: Konstruktiv länkning i praktiken i utbildningen av kadetter och officerare
2024 (Swedish)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

Denna guide presenterar en modell som integrerar lärandemål med praktiska läraktiviteter och praktisk examination i utbildningen av kadetter och officerare inom ramen för högskoleutbildning. Syftet är att visa hur man kan uppnå konstruktiv länkning i praktiken vid examination av praktiska moment i utbildningen av kadetter och officerare, utan att äventyra de krav på rättssäkerhet som högskoleexamination ställer, samtidigt som utbildningsmål, pedagogiska aktiviteter och utvärderingsmetoder sammankopplas. Därigenom kan praktisk examination av praktiska moment skräddarsys för de militära yrkenas dynamiska och praktiska karaktär.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Stockholm: Försvarshögskolan (FHS), 2024. p. 52
Series
Swedish Defence University Report Series, ISSN 2004-7894 ; 2
Keywords
Högskolepedagogik, praktisk examination, praktiska moment, konstruktiv länkning, PME, officersprogrammet, examination, praktik, fältövning, krigsspel
National Category
Educational Sciences
Research subject
War Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-12302 (URN)10.62061/slep1008 (DOI)978-91-88975-38-6 (ISBN)
Available from: 2024-03-09 Created: 2024-03-09 Last updated: 2024-03-12Bibliographically approved
Weissmann, M., Björkqvist, J. & Wiklund, P. (2022). Staff Rides as a Pedagogical Tool in Professional Military Education (PME): Planning and Conducting Historical Staff Rides. Journal on Baltic Security, 8(2), 61-82
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Staff Rides as a Pedagogical Tool in Professional Military Education (PME): Planning and Conducting Historical Staff Rides
2022 (English)In: Journal on Baltic Security, ISSN 2382-9222, Vol. 8, no 2, p. 61-82Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The use of various practical pedagogical tools is an important part of officer training. This is also an area where there is a long tradition in the training of officer cadets and officers in staff colleges as well as in the Armed Forces more generally. This article focuses on staff rides aimed at teaching tactics and operational arts based on historical examples. This type of staff-rides aims to learn from history with a bearing on the present and the future.

The article is organized as follows: first, the article gives a short overview of the history of staff rides, followed by a discussion on different types of staff rides. Then the focus shifts to ways to planning and carrying out a staff-ride. This includes the planning phase, reconnaissance, and the different pedagogical tools that can be used and their implementation. The article concludes with a discussion of how to think when planning and carrying out a staff rides, both practically and pedagogically. The article here presented a schematic model of the pedagogical dynamics of the staff ride for different target groups based on their pre-understanding and the complexity of different field exercises.

Keywords
staff ride, PME, tactic, land warfare, teaching and learning in higher education, fältövning, taktik, krigsvetenskap, markoperationer, högskolepedagogik, pedagogik, applex, krigsspel, militär utbildning, utbildning
National Category
Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies) Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Pedagogy
Research subject
War Studies; Military History
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11124 (URN)10.57767/jobs_2022_0014 (DOI)
Available from: 2022-11-09 Created: 2022-11-09 Last updated: 2023-02-06Bibliographically approved
Weissmann, M., Nilsson, N. & Palmertz, B. (2021). Att möta hybridhot och hybridkrigföring. Kungl Krigsvetenskapsakademiens Handlingar och Tidskrift (4), 185-187
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Att möta hybridhot och hybridkrigföring
2021 (Swedish)In: Kungl Krigsvetenskapsakademiens Handlingar och Tidskrift, ISSN 0023-5369, no 4, p. 185-187Article in journal (Other academic) Published
Abstract [en]

Security challenges arising from hybrid threats and hybrid warfare, HT&HW, are today high on security agenda not only in Sweden but across the globe. Despite the attention and the growing body of studies on the subject, there is a lack of research bringing attention to how these challenges can be addressed. This article contributes to such an approach by sharing the findings of a project that brings together practitioners and scholarly perspectives on this subject spanning the threats themselves as well as the tools and means to counter them. The article outlines the Western response to hybrid threats and hybrid warfare. It is argued that there is no single response to HT&HW, nor to building resilience. HT&HW need to be addressed through a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach. Finally, the article outlines how we address these challenges in practice.

Keywords
Hybris Warfare, Hybrid Threat, Greyzone, National Security, Security, Strategy, Warfare, International Studies, International Relations
National Category
Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies)
Research subject
War Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-10666 (URN)
Available from: 2022-01-30 Created: 2022-01-30 Last updated: 2022-11-30Bibliographically approved
Weissmann, M., Nilsson, N. & Palmertz, B. (2021). Comprehending Hybrid Threats and Hybrid Warfare: The Hybridity Blizzard Model. In: Збірник тез І Міжнародної наукової конференції «Воєнні конфлікти та техногенні катастрофи: історичні та психологічні наслідки» (до 35 роковин аварії на Чорнобильській АЕС) [Abstracts collection of the I International scientific conference of "Military conflicts and technogenic disasters: historical and psychological consequences" (to the 35 th Anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster)]: (pp. 94-97). Тернопіль: ФОП Паляниця В. А.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Comprehending Hybrid Threats and Hybrid Warfare: The Hybridity Blizzard Model
2021 (English)In: Збірник тез І Міжнародної наукової конференції «Воєнні конфлікти та техногенні катастрофи: історичні та психологічні наслідки» (до 35 роковин аварії на Чорнобильській АЕС) [Abstracts collection of the I International scientific conference of "Military conflicts and technogenic disasters: historical and psychological consequences" (to the 35 th Anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster)], Тернопіль: ФОП Паляниця В. А. , 2021, p. 94-97Chapter in book (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

To fully comprehend and counter hybrid threats and hybrid warfare (HT&HW) is acomplex task, but also a very important one. In this paper we will outline a schematic model for how to comprehend hybrid threats and hybrid warfare: the “Hybridity Blizzard Model”. The model comes in three versions, of which the first presents a simplified picture of thedynamics of and between HT&HW, as well as responses and countermeasures. The second version adds a temporal dimension to this relationship, demonstrating how short term actions and responses relate to long-term vulnerabilities and resilience. The third version, in contrast, aims to provide a more accurate picture of the complex real-world situation. The aim of the model is to enable not only a better understanding of the dynamics themselves but also how to identify, comprehend and act against HT&HW.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Тернопіль: ФОП Паляниця В. А., 2021
Keywords
Grey Zone, Hybrid, Hybrid Threats, Hybrid War, Hybridity Blizzard Model, Influence Operations. Intelligence, Intelligence Analysis, International Relations, Military, National Security, Resilience, Russia, Security, Total defence, war
National Category
Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies) Other Social Sciences
Research subject
War Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-9908 (URN)978-617-7875-14-6 (ISBN)
Funder
Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, F16-1240:1
Note

This paper is adopted from the authors conclusion of a volume on Hybrid Warfare: Weissmann, Mikael,Niklas Nilsson, and Björn Palmertz. "Moving out of the blizzard: Towards a comprehensive approach to hybridthreats and hybrid warfare." Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations. ByMikael Weissmann, Niklas Nilsson, Björn Palmertz and Per Thunholm . London: I.B. Tauris, 2021. 263–272. Download here: http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9781788317795.0025.

Available from: 2021-04-30 Created: 2021-04-30 Last updated: 2022-01-24Bibliographically approved
Weissmann, M. (2021). Conceptualizing and countering hybrid threats and hybrid warfare: The role of the military in the grey zone. In: Mikael Weissmann, Niklas Nilsson, Björn Palmertz, Per Thunholm (Ed.), Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations (pp. 61-82). London: I.B. Tauris
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Conceptualizing and countering hybrid threats and hybrid warfare: The role of the military in the grey zone
2021 (English)In: Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations / [ed] Mikael Weissmann, Niklas Nilsson, Björn Palmertz, Per Thunholm, London: I.B. Tauris, 2021, p. 61-82Chapter in book (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

This chapter argues that it is crucial to understand the role of the military in the grey zone, as unless hybrid threats- and warfare can be successfully handled there, the war is likely to have been lost before a conventional war breaks out. Asking what role the military can and should play in responding to hybrid threats- and warfare today and in the future, the paper presents an analytical framework operationalising hybrid threats and warfare, which is then applied on the official discourse in the Baltic and a case study of Sweden analysing what role the members of the military themselves think it should have. It is concluded that the role of the military needs to be recognised and utilised in the most efficient way possible across the grey zone while at the same time ensuring that democratic principles and the rule of law are upheld. It is encouraging to see that the role of the military in the grey zone is both recognised and in correlation in the official discourse and in the thinking of military officers.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
London: I.B. Tauris, 2021
Keywords
War, International Relations, National Security, Security, Grey-zone, Hybrid, Hybrid Threats, Warfare, Hybrid Warfare, Resilience, Military, Army, Land Warfare, Influence Operations, Intelligence, Cyberwarfare, Total Defence, Comprehensive Defence
National Category
Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies) Other Social Sciences
Research subject
Krigsvetenskap
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-9868 (URN)10.5040/9781788317795.0011 (DOI)978-1-7883-1711-5 (ISBN)978-1-7883-1962-1 (ISBN)978-1-7883-1779-5 (ISBN)978-1-7867-3655-0 (ISBN)
Funder
Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, F16-1240:1
Available from: 2021-04-23 Created: 2021-04-23 Last updated: 2021-11-18Bibliographically approved
Weissmann, M., Nilsson, N. & Palmertz, B. (2021). Hybrid Threats and Hybrid Warfare: Time for a Comprehensive Approach?. Singapore: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Hybrid Threats and Hybrid Warfare: Time for a Comprehensive Approach?
2021 (English)Other (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Hybrid warfare strategies blend conventional warfare, irregular warfare and cyber-attacks with other influencing methods, such as disinformation, diplomacy and foreign political inteference. There is a need for novel comprehensive approaches to counter them.

Place, publisher, year, pages
Singapore: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), 2021
Series
RSIS Commentary ; CO21094
Keywords
Hybris Warfare, Hybrid Threat, Greyzone, National Security, Security, Strategy, Warfare, International Studies, International Relations
National Category
Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies) Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
Research subject
Krigsvetenskap
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-10010 (URN)
Funder
Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, F16-1240:1
Available from: 2021-06-19 Created: 2021-06-19 Last updated: 2022-01-11Bibliographically approved
Weissmann, M., Nilsson, N., Palmertz, B. & Thunholm, P. (Eds.). (2021). Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations. London: I.B. Tauris
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations
2021 (English)Collection (editor) (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Hybrid Warfare refers to a military strategy that blends conventional warfare, so-called ‘irregular warfare’ and cyber-attacks with other influencing methods, such as fake news, diplomacy and foreign political intervention. As Hybrid Warfare becomes increasingly commonplace, there is an imminent need for research bringing attention to how these challenges can be addressed in order to develop a comprehensive approach towards Hybrid Threats and Hybrid Warfare. This volume supports the development of such an approach by bringing together practitioners and scholarly perspectives on the topic and by covering the threats themselves, as well as the tools and means to counter them, together with a number of real-world case studies.

The book covers numerous aspects of current Hybrid Warfare discourses including a discussion of the perspectives of key western actors such as NATO, the US and the EU; an analysis of Russia and China’s Hybrid Warfare capabilities; and the growing threat of cyberwarfare. A range of global case studies – featuring specific examples from the Baltics, Taiwan, Ukraine, Iran and Catalonia – are drawn upon to demonstrate the employment of Hybrid Warfare tactics and how they have been countered in practice. Finally, the editors propose a new method through which to understand the dynamics of Hybrid Threats, Warfare and their countermeasures, termed the ‘Hybridity Blizzard Model’. With a focus on practitioner insight and practicable International Relations theory, this volume is an essential guide to identifying, analysing and countering Hybrid Threats and Warfare.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
London: I.B. Tauris, 2021. p. 302
Keywords
War, International Relations, Politics, National Security, Cyber Security, Cyber, Security, US, Iran, Catalan, Ukraine Grey-zone, Hybrid, Hybrid Threat, Warfare, Hybrid Warfare, Intelligence, Resilience, National Security, Russia, NATO, USA, EU, Military, Army, China, Taiwan, Influence Operations, Intelligence cooperation, Cyberwarfare
National Category
Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies) Media and Communications Computer and Information Sciences
Research subject
Krigsvetenskap
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-9864 (URN)10.5040/9781788317795 (DOI)978-1-7883-1711-5 (ISBN)978-1-7883-1962-1 (ISBN)978-1-7883-1779-5 (ISBN)978-1-7867-3655-0 (ISBN)
Funder
Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, F16-1240:1
Available from: 2021-04-23 Created: 2021-04-23 Last updated: 2021-11-18Bibliographically approved
Weissmann, M., Nilsson, N. & Palmertz, B. (2021). Moving out of the blizzard: Towards a comprehensive approach to hybrid threats and hybrid warfare. In: Mikael Weissmann, Niklas Nilsson, Björn Palmertz, Per Thunholm (Ed.), Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations (pp. 263-272). London: I.B. Tauris
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Moving out of the blizzard: Towards a comprehensive approach to hybrid threats and hybrid warfare
2021 (English)In: Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations / [ed] Mikael Weissmann, Niklas Nilsson, Björn Palmertz, Per Thunholm, London: I.B. Tauris, 2021, p. 263-272Chapter in book (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

To fully comprehend and counter hybrid threats and hybrid warfare (HT&HW) is a complex task, but also a very important one. In this chapter we will outline a schematic model for how to comprehend hybrid threats and hybrid warfare, outlining the “Hybridity Blizzard Model”. This model comes in three versions, of which the first presents a simplified picture of the dynamics of and between HT&HW, as well as responses and countermeasures. The second version adds a temporal dimension to this relationship, demonstrating how short term actions and responses relate to long-term vulnerabilities and resilience. The third version, in contrast, aims to provide a more accurate picture of the complex real-world situation. The aim of the model is to enable not only a better understanding of the dynamics themselves but also how to identify, comprehend and act against HT&HW.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
London: I.B. Tauris, 2021
Keywords
War, International Relations, Politics, National Security, Cyber Security, Cyber, Security, US, Iran, Catalan, Ukraine Grey-zone, Hybrid, Hybrid Threats, Warfare, Hybrid Warfare, Intelligence, Resilience, National Security, Russia, NATO, USA, EU, Military, Army, China, Taiwan, Influence Operations, Intelligence cooperation, Cyberwarfare, Total Defence, Comprehensive Defence, Hybridity Blizzard Model
National Category
Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies) Other Social Sciences Media and Communications
Research subject
War Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-9870 (URN)10.5040/9781788317795.0025 (DOI)978-1-7883-1711-5 (ISBN)978-1-7883-1962-1 (ISBN)978-1-7883-1779-5 (ISBN)978-1-7867-3655-0 (ISBN)
Available from: 2021-04-23 Created: 2021-04-23 Last updated: 2022-02-02Bibliographically approved
Nilsson, N., Weissmann, M., Palmertz, B., Thunholm, P. & Häggström, H. (2021). Security challenges in the grey zone: Hybrid threats and hybrid warfare. In: Mikael Weissmann, Niklas Nilsson, Björn Palmertz, Per Thunholm (Ed.), Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations (pp. 1-18). London: I.B. Tauris
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Security challenges in the grey zone: Hybrid threats and hybrid warfare
Show others...
2021 (English)In: Hybrid Warfare: Security and Asymmetric Conflict in International Relations / [ed] Mikael Weissmann, Niklas Nilsson, Björn Palmertz, Per Thunholm, London: I.B. Tauris, 2021, p. 1-18Chapter in book (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The international security environment has in recent years evolved into a volatile and increasingly grey zone of war and peace. Security challenges arising from hybrid threats and hybrid warfare, henceforth HT&HW, are today high on security agendas across the globe. However, despite the attention, and a growing body of studies on specific issues, there is an imminent need for research bringing attention to how these challenges can be addressed in order to develop a comprehensive approach towards identifying, analysing and countering HT&HW. This volume supports the development of such an approach by bringing together practitioners and scholarly perspectives on HT&HW, by covering the threats themselves as well as the tools and means to counter them together with a number of real-world case studies.

Over time the grey zone between peace and war has grown considerably, underscoring the necessity of understanding hybrid warfare and related threats. Russia’s actions in Ukraine have manifested this paradigm, being a good example of the problem in thinking about war and peace as binary categories. How does a country or group of countries deal with threats and aggression in this grey area, such as ‘little green men’ that appear in uniform but without national denomination and refuse to tell where they come from, election-influenced operations or cyberattacks, to mention but a few possible actions.

By uniting the knowledge of both practitioners and scholars, the volume aims to identify the existing tools for countering HT&HW, as well as experiences from a wide set of empirical contexts. Mirroring this, the project is a cross-sector collaboration between the Department of Military Studies and the Center for Asymmetric Threat Studies (CATS) at the Swedish Defence University. The former represents an academic environment where research and teaching are intertwined in a range of subjects including War Studies, Military Technology and Military History. The latter is a national centre within the Swedish Defence University tasked with developing and disseminating knowledge about asymmetric threats within the context of societal security and resilience.

This volume focuses on the challenge posed by HT&HW to Western democracies, and their ability to address it. Western democracies are not only the type of states most frequently targeted by hybrid measures, but also the most vulnerable. By virtue of being open, pluralistic and liberal societies with freedom of the press and rule of law, Western democracies display both inherent weaknesses that can be targeted and inherent constraints – in particular through the rule of law and basic freedoms – that limit the scope for defensive actions. These vulnerabilities are increasingly recognized by Western governments, which have developed a range of entities to address them, although coordination in many instances remains weak. The later sections outline the growing significance of HT&HW on the security agendas of Western democracies and the challenges they imply, as well as the entities these states have established in response. Although neither list is complete, they provide an overview of the current situation. The final sections provide an outline of the volume’s structure and a summary of each chapter.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
London: I.B. Tauris, 2021
Keywords
War, International Relations, Politics, National Security, Cyber Security, Cyber, Security, US, Iran, Catalan, Ukraine Grey-zone, Hybrid, Hybrid Threat, Warfare, Hybrid Warfare, Intelligence, Resilience, National Security, Russia, NATO, USA, EU, Military, Army, China, Taiwan, Influence Operations, Intelligence cooperation, Cyberwarfare
National Category
Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalisation Studies)
Research subject
War Studies; Political Science
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-9869 (URN)10.5040/9781788317795.0005 (DOI)978-1-7883-1711-5 (ISBN)978-1-7883-1962-1 (ISBN)978-1-7883-1779-5 (ISBN)978-1-7867-3655-0 (ISBN)
Funder
Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, F16-1240:1
Available from: 2021-04-23 Created: 2021-04-23 Last updated: 2023-02-06Bibliographically approved
Projects
The East Asian Peace Since 1979: How Deep? How Can It Be Explained? [M10-0100:1_RJ]; Uppsala University
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-5426-8238

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