Chaitanya AwasthiAIR 37 · CSE 2022 · 293 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Hybrid Warfare refers to the usage of unconventional methods as part of a multi domain strategy other than conventional military tactics.
Grey Zone Conflict refers to the space between peace and war wherein countries engage in hybrid warfare to subvert each other without breaching the threshold of full fledged war.
Body · points
Characteristics of Hybrid Warfare
- Multi Domained → plethora of tools like disinformation, propaganda, economic coercion, proxies, diplomatic pressure etc. are deployed to cripple an opponent.
- Maximum Damage, Minimum Effort → targetting critical infrastructure and vulnerable blindspots.
(3) Deploying Non State Actors → Insurgencies, Rebellions etc. to absolve the actual culprit of liability.
Threats from Hybrid Warfare (1) Cyber Attacks → Espionage, warfare, ransomware etc. to disrupt effective functioning of country. → discredit home agencies eg. Israel-Lebanon, Salami Attacks by China on India. (2) New Terrorism → Lone wolf attacks, Sleeper Cells etc. make it difficult to pre-empt. → Funding ensures sophisticated arms. (3) Undermining Democracy → New Arena of warfare - Social Engineering → Propaganda, Social Media misuse, fake news etc. to weaken institutions. → Fuel Social Fragmentation and bleed country through a thousand cuts from within.
India's Efforts (1) Institutional Reforms
↳ Defence Indigenisation, Force Modernisation ↳ Inter Agency Coordination Wings (2) Cyber Security ↳ Several protective institutions like NCIIPC, NATGRID, NCCC, I4C etc. for holistic monitoring, coordination, prevention and action (3) Capacity and Human Resource ↳ Aginveer Scheme for new talent to tackle contemporary challenges (4) Multinational Response
Close · a way forward
↳ India's influence in FATF, WTO etc. to serve its national interest.
"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting" - Sun Tzu When the enemy and threats are veiled, India needs to reinforce its vigil by infusing strength in institutions, strengthening the democratic fabric and inclusivity.