A Study on the Capabilities of Unconventional Operational Elements, The Center of Gravity of Hybrid Threats Cover Image

A Study on the Capabilities of Unconventional Operational Elements, The Center of Gravity of Hybrid Threats
A Study on the Capabilities of Unconventional Operational Elements, The Center of Gravity of Hybrid Threats

Author(s): Costinel Nicolae Maresi
Subject(s): Security and defense, Military policy
Published by: Centrul tehnic-editorial al armatei
Keywords: hybrid threat; private military campaigns; mercenaries; psychological operations; cyber aggression;
Summary/Abstract: By resorting to research techniques such as the content analysis technique, the documentaryanalysis and the case studies, the scientific research results presented in this article bring tothe attention of the specialists novelty elements about the center of gravity of the hybridthreats, through a comprehensive and immersive approach to the current challenges to theinternational security environment.The tactics of special operations forces (which are characteristic to states) and irregularforces such as non-state paramilitary forces are treated: insurgents, guerrillas, terroristgroups, mercenaries, private military companies, cross-border criminal organisations, but alsoother unconventional means: psychological operations, informational operations and cyberaggressions. All of these are treated as structural elements of hybrid threats.Essentially, in order to prevent or control national security risks posed by hybrid threats, theplace and role of unconventional operational elements within these types of emerging threatsmust be understood. The scientific research in this field requires that the Romanian army issynchronised with the new evolutions of the contemporary war.