The article argues that Russia – through hybrid warfare techniques including sabotage of undersea cables, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and airspace violations – seeks to undermine European security, disrupt daily connectivity, and challenge the collective mechanisms of NATO and the EU. Recent incidents, notably the targeting of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, showcase the complexity of attribution and plausible deniability, as Russia uses shadow fleets and indirect tactics to avoid direct accountability. China is also contributing new technological threats, such as deep-sea devices capable of cutting cables. While Europe has responded with surveillance, detection, and new regulatory initiatives, these often remain reactive rather than genuinely deterrent. The article calls for a stronger, more assertive European posture, including legal, economic, and preventive measures, in order to increase resilience and effectively deter future hybrid threats to critical infrastructure.
Strategic Vulnerabilities: Hybrid Warfare Threats from Russia and China on Europe’s Critical Infrastructures Strategic Vulnerabilities: Hybrid Warfare Threats from Russia and China on Europe’s Critical Infrastructures
Dr. Frank Umbach
Dr. Frank Umbach points out the strategic vulnerabilities of Europe’s critical infrastructure to hybrid warfare threats posed primarily by Russia and, increasingly, China.
Bild Titel
© Urheber
Download all images in original size
The impression in connection with the service is free, while the image specified author is mentioned.
Link zur Seite von Dr. Umbach