Note From the Editor

Winter 2019

Abstract

The term hybrid warfare, at a normative and intellectual level, appears to be too abstract and the latest thinking seriously considers referring to irregular methods to counter a conventionally superior force. A hybrid adversary is a complex, non-standard, and fluid adversary that demonstrates flexibility and adapts rapidly, uses advanced weapon systems and many disruptive technologies plus mass communication for propaganda for recruitment and to spread fake news. A hybrid war takes place in conventional battlefields, amongst the indigenous population of the war zone and the International community. Therefore, it is pertinent to counter such threats not only militarily but also through unconventional means to make it more holistic. As is evident, the ISIS-like phenomena proliferate because these are not just terrorist organisations but comprise an idea which operates as a highly decentralised entity. Thus, countering it would require a strategy that cuts its basic supply chain, that is, the ISIS needs to be refrained from monetising its acquired natural resource which is oil. If not contained at the primal stage, these entities will sprawl, as ISIS-like organisations can be equated with metastasised cancer, and can form an example for other such hybrid adversaries to be a mirror image in operations. Therefore, the world has to take note of these to contain this phenomenon.