F1IS 4550 - Hybrid Threats: Trends on (Cyber) Warfare in the Era of Strategic Competition

This course will examine hybrid threats within the context of a rapidly evolving strategic environment. The initial sessions will provide an overview of the transformation from the Cold War era to the current landscape of strategic competition, with the aim of contextualizing the challenges and threats that hybrid threats pose to liberal democracies. Particular attention will be given to the strategic approaches of Russia and China, recognized as primary actors behind many hybrid activities.

Subsequent sessions will explore the evolution of warfare and competition, emphasizing the emergence of hybrid threats as key elements of strategic disruption. The course will address the complex and multifaceted conceptual debates surrounding hybrid threats within the EU, NATO, and academic circles. Although hybrid methods of warfare and competition are not new, advancements in technology, changes in the information environment, and the digitalization of societies have dramatically increased the speed, scale, and intensity of hybrid attacks.

Multiple sessions will be dedicated to cyber information operations and disinformation, analyzing why these represent some of the most insidious threats to democracies and why they are particularly challenging to counter. Special focus will be given to state-of-the-art analytics tools and standards (e.g. MITRE or DISARM) from a very hands-on practical perspective. Later sessions will focus on real-world case studies and include a simulation game. In addition to the readings listed in the syllabus, students will be provided with all necessary materials to participate in these exercises.

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of hybrid threats within the context of the ongoing global power shift and renewed strategic competition.

Analyze the threats posed by cyber information operations and disinformation, including how these campaigns are organized and executed, and explain why they represent some of the most insidious challenges facing democracies.

Assess the strategic implications of the digitalization of societies, with particular attention to how resilience is being developed, especially within the EU.

Explain the role of cybersecurity and cyberintelligence in both public and private sectors, ranging from state agencies to multinational corporations.

Critically evaluate the responses to hybrid threats provided by the EU and NATO.

Professional Skills:

Strategic analysis

Forensic analysis of information operations

Critical thinking

None

Instructors will be available to students throughout the six-week course, either in person or via videocall.

Final Exam (40% of the final mark):

The exam will consist of five questions, of which students will be required to answer two.

Simulation Session in Class (40% of the final mark):

The simulation will be conducted as group work. Students will form groups of three or, at most, four members. Each group must submit a document in advance that summarizes, in bullet points, the interests, instruments, and potential actions of the actor whose role they will assume during the session.

Class Attendance and Participation (20% of the final mark):

Active participation and regular attendance will contribute to the final grade.

In-Class Presence: 2 hours per week / 24 hours per semester

Reading and Preparation for Class: 1 hour per week / 40 hours per semester

Research and Preparation for Group Work: 1 hour per week / 40 hours per semester

Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours per week / 40 hours per semester