What is Hybrid (or Fourth Generation) Warfare characterized by?

Hybrid warfare, also known as Fourth Generation Warfare, is characterized by a blend of conventional and unconventional warfare tactics. This includes the use of both military and non-military strategies, such as propaganda, cyber warfare, and insurgency tactics. One significant point about hybrid warfare is its ability to blur the lines between war and peace, making it difficult to respond effectively.

The reference to roots in Marxist theory highlights the ideological underpinnings some hybrid warfare strategies may have, influencing the operational approach towards state and non-state actors. The mention of the Crimea campaign illustrates this in practice, as the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 involved a combination of military force, the use of local militias, and information warfare, all of which are hallmarks of hybrid tactics.

The concept of limited international collaboration is more relevant to specific instances of hybrid warfare and does not universally define the nature of hybrid warfare as a concept. Similarly, the idea that hybrid warfare relies solely on traditional military strategies is misaligned with its broader strategy, which integrates various forms of engagement. These factors clarify why the correct characterization of hybrid warfare focuses on its roots in Marxist theory and its practical application during significant conflicts like the Crimea campaign.