The Hybrid Threat to NATO Unity: Recommendations for NATO and EUCOM
Abstract
Malign actors' recent success in subverting North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) security and European Union (EU) prosperity elevated hybrid warfare to the forefront of deniable activities in great power competition. Russia is now conducting a grey zone campaign focused on exploiting information networks, degrading critical infrastructure, and influencing the populous. U.S. European Command (EUCOM) planners must respond to Russia's militarization of cyberspace by leading NATO efforts to mature a robust and legitimate cyber defense. Only a whole-of-alliance approach can mitigate the destabilizing impact of hybrid warfare enabled by cyber-attacks, political subversion, and domestic influence operations across the continent of Europe. Furthermore, the establishment of norms and standards for cyber conduct under international law can augment EUCOM's efforts and ensures legitimacy in the fight against a subversive grey zone threat. Similarly, NATO must develop a robust cyber surveillance and response capability across all member-states to reinforce international law and protect state sovereignty from cyber assault. Ultimately, NATO should round-out these advances by maintaining a cyber deterrent capability focused on policy and practice to effectively message capability and intent in order to safeguard the unity of the alliance and defend forward.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 23, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1215778
Entities
People
- Mark D. Knorr
Organizations
- Naval War College