Grey Zone Warfare
Context:
- During the recent Raisina Dialogue (February 24), India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said that “grey zone warfare” is the latest in informal warfare.
What does grey zone warfare mean?
- Grey zone warfare generally means a middle, unclear space which exists between direct conflict and peace in international relations.
- Grey zone warfare, also often referred to as hybrid warfare, is a modern form of conflict that blurs the lines between peace and traditional war.
- This type of warfare is strategically designed to remain below the threshold of open, armed conflict, while still achieving specific objectives that serve the perpetrator’s interests.
- Grey zone warfare deploys an array of unconventional methods, designed to exploit vulnerabilities in an adversary’s defense.
- These methods often involve cyber attacks, where hackers target critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, or disrupt essential services.
- This type of warfare also makes use of disinformation campaigns or propaganda to manipulate public opinion, create confusion, and erode trust within societies.
- Another tool in grey zone warfare is economic coercion, whereby economic measures like sanctions, trade wars, or financial manipulations are used to exert pressure on a targeted state.
- These tactics can cause significant economic damage and social disruption, without resorting to physical violence.
- The primary objective of grey zone warfare is to destabilize the targeted state, exploit its weaknesses, and manipulate the situation to the perpetrator’s advantage without triggering a full-scale military response or breaching international peace treaties.
- This form of warfare poses a significant challenge to the international community, as it requires a comprehensive approach to security that goes beyond traditional military defenses.
- It requires multi-dimensional strategies that can counteract the various tactics used, including cyber security measures, counter-propaganda efforts, and robust economic policies.
What grey zone warfare looks like?
- Experts from various countries have characterised certain Russian and Chinese actions of late as examples of grey zone warfare.
- It includes the Chinese military’s presence in the South China Sea.
- The Philippines is one of the countries which has challenged China’s claims which extends over around 80 per cent of the region.
- In December 2023, Philippines termed the presence of more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels near a disputed reef as “illegal”.
- It also accused China of firing water cannons at its boats and ramming into others, while the Chinese coast guard blamed the Philippines for hitting Chinese boats.
How to address challenges imposed by grey zone warfare?
- Responding to these grey zone warfare challenges requires a comprehensive approach which goes beyond traditional military defenses, including strong cybersecurity measures, counter-propaganda efforts, and robust economic policies.