Aspects of Hybrid Warfare in the Dynamics of Its Manifestation Forms and Action Mechanisms

Authors

  • Mihaela HUȘANU

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-26-12

Keywords:

Hybrid Warfare;, Fifth Generation Warfare, Hybrid Threats;, Impact;, Russian Federation;, Societal Resilience

Abstract

This article examines hybrid warfare as the dominant form of contemporary conflicts, in the context of profound transformations of the international security environment and the intensification of
strategic competition among Great Powers. Starting from the evolution of war generations, from conventional to information confrontation, cyber and societal conflicts, the study highlights how hybrid warfare combines military and non-military instruments so as to produce strategic effects without triggering an open armed conflict. The main forms of manifestation of hybrid warfare at the diplomatic, political, economic, social, information, cultural, cyber, and non-military levels are analyzed, as well as the methods and tools used by hostile entities to render target states vulnerable. Methodologically, the article is based on specialized literature in the military, security studies, and international relations fields, the predominant approach being specific to qualitative study. The research conclusions reveal the need to emphasize the sociological dimension of the perception of hybrid threats among the civilian population. In the case of a hybrid war, strengthening the response capacity does not depend exclusively on military instruments, but on the level of knowledge, security education, and social cohesion, essential elements for the adaptation of states, especially in Eastern Europe, to the new paradigms of modern conflict.

Author Biography

Mihaela HUȘANU

Mihaela Hușanu is a highly experienced expert in media strategy and communication with a particular interest in deepening and refining the art of influencing people, including through means and tools of communication based on new technologies, in an increasingly interconnected global society.

Currently working as a counsellor at the Romanian Parliament - The Chamber of Deputies, Mihaela combines strategic planning and content creation with public relations activity. With attention to detail, curiosity to understand the dynamics of a world in constant transformation and ambition to contribute to initiatives strengthening public policies' impact, Mihaela has put her mark on the work of professionals with whom she worked, high state dignitaries such as ministers, deputies, and prefects. She was also a spokesman for a public authority subordinated to the Government.

Mihaela is licensed in Media at Volda University in Norway (2007) and her advanced specialization in communication and public relations was completed with a master’s degree at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest (2022).

She is familiar with the role of the media in democracy and the administrative practices for regional development in the European Union, due to her participation in post-graduate courses at Volda University in Norway (2007-2008). Over time, Mihaela developed her strategic planning skills by participating in relevant leadership, crisis management, strategic political communication, good governance and countering disinformation training programs.

Mihaela gained a special interest in expanding her knowledge and analytical skills in the field of security and defence policy during her activity as a counsellor at the Romanian Parliament - The Chamber of Deputies. She attended the courses of The Romanian National Defence College, part of „Carol I” National Defence University in Bucharest, within the Program „Current issues of national security” (2021).

Mihaela's research activity in the field of security studies began by addressing the topic of hybrid warfare and signaling the need to develop, in Romania, a security culture and mechanisms to strengthen societal resilience. Among the topics that reflect her research concerns are the fake news phenomenon, information control and the competition for power in the digital environment, the global political impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of globalization to national security, the intensification of global competition for resources and power in the international environment, with a focus on the Russian-Ukrainian war and the implications for the security of the Black Sea area.

Mihaela is fluent in English and French, she knows that communication barriers can be overcome through professionalism and perseverance. She believes in the power of personal example and in the success of projects where each team member contributes competence and added value.

Mihaela is the author of the paper "The global political impact of the Corona-virus pandemic", which she presented at the 6th edition of the International Conference Strategies XXI, with the theme "Romania and the new dynamics of international security", organized by the Department of Joint Operations, Strategic and Security Studies of the National University of Defense "Carol I" Bucharest (June 25, 2021). The article was published in English in the volume entitled "Proceedings the 9th International Conference "Strategies XXI": "Romania and the new dynamics of international security", Volume 1, No. 72, 2021, Bucharest, Romania, ISSN 2784-2487, ISSN-L2668-3865, pp. 29-47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53477/2668-5094-21-02.

 Other papers she wrote are "Information Control and Power Competition in the Digital Environment" and "The Russian Federation's Ghost Fleet and Its Implications for the Security of the Black Sea Area", both published in Intelligence Info Magazine, a quarterly publication focusing on the field of intelligence and related fields of study and practice - Volume 5, Issue 1, March 2026. Mihaela also published the article "The Challenges of Globalization to National Security" in Scientific Knowledge Magazine, a quarterly publication focused on the field of science and philosophy and related fields of study and practice - Volume 5, Issue 1, March 2026.

 

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Published

2026-04-09

How to Cite

HUȘANU , M. . (2026). Aspects of Hybrid Warfare in the Dynamics of Its Manifestation Forms and Action Mechanisms. BULLETIN OF "CAROL I" NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-26-12

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

The published articles are subject to copyright law. All rights are reserved to the “Carol I” National Defense University, regardless of whether all or part of the material are considered, especially the rights to translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, quotations, broadcasting through the media, reproduction on microfilms or any other way and storage in data banks. Any replicas without the associated fees are authorized provided the source is acknowledged.