Cyber Operations and Gray Zones: Challenges for NATO
by
Oliver Fitton

The Gray Zone represents a space between peaceful state rivalries and war. Within this space actors have developed hybrid strategies to extend their influence. This concept of conflict is best illustrated by Russia’s actions in Eastern Ukraine in 2014. Gray Zone doctrine leverages ambiguity to create an environment in which adversaries are unable to make strategic decisions in a timely and confident manner. Cyber Operations, because of the attribution problem, lend themselves to this kind of conflict. This article explores the interactions between the Gray Zone and cyber operations and considers questions which NATO must address in order to adapt.

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European and Eurasian Security: Viewpoints from Russia Connections presents diverse views on defense and security by authors from NATO and partner countries from the Partnership for Peace and be­yond. For this particular issue we invited authors from universities and research centers of the Russian Federation to express their views on cur­r... Read More