CIDOB Opinion 719, May 2022, discusses the conflict in Ukraine through the lens of hybrid warfare and its implications on international norms and peace. The article draws from the theoretical framework provided by Hedley Bull, emphasizing that while wars were traditionally regulated by norms, they are now being eroded by hybrid tactics.
The main points highlighted are:
-
Desinformation and Propaganda: The Russian government has employed extensive disinformation campaigns to manipulate perceptions and blur the line between war and peace. This includes denying involvement in military operations, labeling Ukrainian forces as "neo-Nazis", and orchestrating fake news about atrocities committed by both sides.
-
Hybrid Warfare: The conflict in Ukraine is characterized by a blend of conventional warfare and unconventional tactics such as cyberattacks, misinformation, agitation, and insurgency. This hinders the establishment of collective norms and complicates traditional conflict resolution.
-
Crisis in the Information Sphere: The conflict has seen the use of social media platforms to spread false information, such as staged images of Russian soldiers protecting civilians, distributing food or facilitating humanitarian corridors. The confusion caused by cyberattacks, like the dissemination of fake peace agreements, further exacerbates the situation.
-
Impact on Society and Infrastructure: The conflict extends beyond physical combat, impacting society through the manipulation of information and infrastructure disruption. Cyberattacks against government websites, telecommunications companies, and media outlets have led to service disruptions and have been used as a tool for economic warfare against Europe.
-
Interconnected Tactic of Disinformation: The hybrid tactics employed by both sides are not isolated but interconnected, amplifying their impact on the conflict. This has affected critical sectors like energy, with attacks on Ukrainian power stations leading to widespread power outages and supply shortages.
In conclusion, the conflict in Ukraine demonstrates how traditional concepts of warfare are being reshaped by hybrid strategies, complicating peace efforts and challenging existing norms. The interplay of conventional and unconventional tactics, coupled with the exploitation of the digital domain, makes conflict resolution increasingly complex and uncertain.
