The Conduct of 'Hybrid Operations': Concept, Challenges and Application of The Rules of International Law on The Use of Force

Abstract

English Abstract: The aim of the present thesis was the study of the “hybrid operations” from the scope of the international law on the use of force. The concept was examined, analyzed and defined with the aid of the similar concepts of “hybrid warfare” and “hybrid threat”. We presented examples of hybrid operations, such as cyber attacks, we distinguished them from relative terms and we highlighted their main features and the concept of legal asymmetry. The crucial place of the prohibition of the use of force for our subject was spotted and we discerned between operations that include the use of force of low intensity that do not violate the prohibition, operations that include the use of force that violate the prohibition and operations that reach the limit of an armed attack. The analysis of the concept of countermeasures and the right of self-defence follows, correlating their invocation with the actions of states that conduct hybrid operations. We presented “lawfare” as a main feature of hybrid operations and exampled of legal concepts that fall under this tactic. Furthermore, we proceeding with case studies of hybrid operations with the examples of Russia in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, China in the South Chinese Sea and NATO tactics confronting such operations. Finally, the conclusions drawn from the analysis are cited.

Note: Downloadable document is in Greek.

Keywords: Public International Law, Use of Force, Hybrid Operations, Hybrid Warfare

JEL Classification: K33