AI Bibliography

This article assesses why open, digitalized Western democracies are prone to hybrid warfare and analyzes versatile overt and covert mixed warfare methods in the modern information-dependent and inter- connected environment. It also draws on various hybrid warfare influ- ence methods and explains the broader concept and essence of Russian hybrid warfare. Besides analyzing structural hybrid warfare challenges, the article assesses and proposes means and practices to mitigate, act against, and deter overt or covert hybrid offensives. The article argues that Russian mixed warfare methods in tandem create a potential threat to Western democracies’ unity and decision-making. However, these Western states could mitigate and prevent the implications of hybrid warfare by increasing comprehensive security, cooperation, situational awareness, preparedness, and resilience. The article identifies that the combined use of proper coordination, cooperation, information sharing, education, and readiness among authorities, governmental and nongov- ernmental organizations, businesses, and citizens could diminish these multifaceted, ambiguous hybrid aggressions.