Hybrid warfare: a new word in military art or the well forgotten new?

Abstract

The author examines the aspect of one of the military strategies – the so-called “hybrid warfare”. Analysis is conducted on the key components of “hybrid” actions. Examination of historical allows concluding that these approaches have deep historical roots. This refers not to the classical mercenary, but namely to “hybrid” actions, when the contractor and purpose of mercenaries are hidden, and military actions are accompanied by economic confrontation and mass cyber-attacks. The author carries out component-wise analysis for understanding the nature of emergence and waging of “hybrid” warfare at different historical stages. Based on the experience of conducting warfare and armed conflicts, the conclusion is made that the threat of “hybrid” actions is extremely relevant currently and in the foreseeable future. Moreover, the author determines that other previously existing but modified with consideration of new factors of civilizational development “hybrid” approaches towards organization of inter-state confrontation may be implemented. The need to ensure readiness of the Russian Federation to parrying such threats is underlined.