The course "Hybrid Threats, Analysis, and Crisis Solutions" teaches students to recognize attacks, warfare, and actions conducted under the so-called hybrid strategy. The objective of a hybrid campaign is to exploit the weaknesses of an adversary to influence their behavior for one's own benefit. This can be achieved, for example, by concealing the very existence of such activities while pursuing strategic goals, preventing clear interpretation of events, and obscuring their interconnections. The aim is to complicate or entirely impede the identification of the perpetrator and their intentions to destabilize or paralyze decision-making processes, thereby preventing a timely and effective response from the targeted party. This course is an interdisciplinary study course focused on understanding and addressing the complex and evolving threats in contemporary global and regional security policies. It combines the latest theoretical insights from **security studies**, **international relations**, and **political science** with practical skills in crisis analysis, management, and resolution. **Key learning outcomes include:** - Identifying and analyzing hybrid threatscombinations of military and non-military tactics such as cyberattacks, psychological operations, disinformation, information operations, economic coercion, and others. - Developing and implementing effective strategies for crisis resolution and preventive measures. - Understanding the concept of resilience against hybrid operations and tools for strengthening such resilience. Following the theoretical section, which provides fundamental thematic and conceptual framing, students will engage with **practical applications** through selected case studies and examples from geopolitics and regional conflicts. By the end of the course, students will have both theoretical and conceptual knowledge as well as practical skills for analyzing hybrid operations conducted by various actors. They will also be familiar with basic defense, resolution, and communication strategies related to hybrid threats. **Course structure and main topics:** 1. **Introduction to Basic Terms and Concepts** 2. **Information Strategies:** Dissemination of disinformation, propaganda, and manipulation of public opinion. 3. **Cyberattacks:** Targeting computer networks, websites, electronic communications, and infrastructure. 4. **Political Strategies:** Political pressure on a country or organization. 5. **Military Activities:** Covert military support, insurgent groups, terrorism, invasions, and subversive military operations. 6. **Economic Coercion:** Economic sanctions, trade manipulation, and undermining economic stability of the target country or organization. 7. **Social and Ethnic Conflicts:** Inciting social or ethnic conflicts. 8. **Exploitation of Legal Systems:** Misuse of international law and legal systems. 9. **Energy and Infrastructure Threats:** Sabotage of energy facilities and critical infrastructure. 10. **Intelligence Operations:** Use of intelligence services, surveillance, and information gathering. 11. **Pressure on Allies:** Threats, blackmail, and coercion. 12. **Final Reflections and Practical Recommendations.** This course equips students with both the knowledge to understand hybrid threats and the skills to address them effectively in academic, professional, and practical contexts.
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The student organizes their studies based on distance learning resources, i.e., study materials and instructions provided in the LMS; participates in scheduled webinars and completes periodic short tests (approximately four). Requirements for students: Active participation in classes, completion of a final test, preparation of a seminar paper on a chosen topic within the course focus and in consultation with the instructor, and passing the exam.
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