Hibridinio karo grėsmių poveikis nacionaliniam saugumui ; Hybrid war threats impact on national security

Abstract

Research object. Hybrid War Threats Impact on National Security The aim of this paper is to evaluate NATO, EU and Lithuania's preparedness to respond to hybrid threats in correlation with the lessons identified and learned in the course of hybrid conflict in Ukraine. In order to achieve this aim, the following tasks were determined: 1. overview genesis and key features of hybrid war in the light of post-Cold War geopolitical processes; 2. identify and evaluate key aspects of hybrid conflict in Ukraine; 3. evaluate impact of hybrid conflict in Ukraine on security safeguarding processes within EU, NATO and Lithuania; 4. analyze features of shaping response to hybrid threats from the EU, NATO and Lithuania's national perspective; 5. compile lessons learned and based on it provide proposals. Research methods. Analytical and comparative approaches are used in order to conduct comprehensive analysis of hybrid threats impact on national security. Analytical method is applied for the analysis of research literature, publications, documents and legal acts. Comparative method is applied for identifying differences and similarities related to developing of NATO, EU and Lithuania's response to hybrid threat. Post Cold War geopolitical situation created illusion of non-conflict world based on universal liberal values. This illusion influenced Western nations, including Lithuania, decisions to pay insufficient attention to defence and security. Aggressive Russia's posture and hybrid war in Ukraine in particular forced to radically review such approach. It is concluded that hybrid threats influenced NATO and EU accepting active role shaping response to those threats by applying comprehensive approach principles. Also, defence cooperation between those organizations has increased. Evaluating Lithuania's selected strategy of responding to hybrid threats, it was identified that significant attention is paid to interinstitutional cooperation and developing comprehensive response. Within relatively short timeframe, important decisions related to security and defence, such as re-introduction of compulsory military service and establishment of rapid reaction forces had been made.