The terms "invasion," "hybrid threat," and "hybrid warfare" are increasingly prevalent in headlines and political discourse; however, they are not always used with precision. Dr. Aritz Obregón, a specialist in International Law and a postdoctoral researcher in International Relations and Law, has scrutinized these distinctions and their implications for the relationship between Spain and Morocco. This insightful discussion was featured on the program **EgunOn Bizkaia**, within the segment _Desorden Mundial_, which has returned this season to shed light on the intricacies of major geopolitical crises.

Defining the Gray Zone: Between Peace and War

Obregón elucidates that to comprehend hybrid threats, it is essential to first understand the concept of the **"gray zone"**, a realm that exists between peaceful competition among states and outright war. Within this gray zone, nations can engage in minor actions that, when examined in isolation, do not constitute acts of war. However, when these actions are aggregated, they may serve a political or strategic objective. Examples highlighted by the expert include drone incursions and various economic, diplomatic, informational, or cyber actions. A defining characteristic of such conflicts is their inherent ambiguity, where movements are gradual and sufficiently minor to avoid provoking an immediate military response, even though their cumulative effect can significantly alter the status quo.

Unpacking Hybrid Threats

Hybrid strategies integrate **various instruments of power**, tailoring them to exploit the vulnerabilities of adversaries. Obregón detailed that these strategies may encompass political, diplomatic, economic, informational, energy-related, military tools, or even the manipulation of migration as a lever of pressure. Importantly, the objectives of these strategies do not necessarily need to adhere to a "grand master plan." The actions can be coordinated, spontaneous, or opportunistic, yet they can collectively move toward a common goal. As Obregón explained, "When integrated, they share a clear objective," providing a comprehensive analysis of such operations.

As reported by radiopopular.com.