NATO has also cooperated with Ukraine to counter hybrid threats, both before Russia’s invasion and since. NATO is also engaging with partners in the Indo-Pacific region to exchange experience on national approaches to countering hybrid threats, such as increased incidence of disinformation and cyber attacks. This has been particularly valuable in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. ![]() As part of their increasingly closer cooperation, NATO and the EU have stepped up their cooperation on dealing with hybrid threats, with a special focus on countering cyber attacks. NATO can’t counter hybrid threats alone. Cooperation with partners is essential. The Alliance continues to strengthen its cooperation and coordination with such partners as Finland, Sweden, Georgia and the European Union (EU) to counter hybrid threats and enhance resilience. To this end, NATO forces have to be able to react in a quick and agile way, whenever and wherever needed. If deterrence should fail, NATO stands ready to defend any Ally against any threat. These options combine civil and military tools, which can be tailored for responding to specific situations. Allies have developed comprehensive preventive and response options. Furthermore, NATO has expanded its toolbox to counter hybrid threats. This sends a strong signal that the Alliance is improving both its political and military responsiveness and its ability to deploy appropriate forces to the right place at the right time. It continues to increase the readiness and preparedness of its forces, and has strengthened its decision-making process and its command structure as part of its deterrence and defence posture. To deter hybrid threats, NATO is resolved to act promptly, whenever and wherever necessary. This includes exercising of decision–making processes and joint military and non-military responses in cooperation with other actors. Training, exercises and education also play a significant role in preparing to counter hybrid threats. NATO also serves as a hub for expertise, providing support to Allies in areas such as civil preparedness and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incident response critical infrastructure protection strategic communications protection of civilians cyber defence energy security and counter-terrorism. The Alliance supports Allies’ efforts to identify national vulnerabilities and strengthen their own resilience, if requested. The hybrid analysis branch provides decision-makers with improved awareness on possible hybrid threats. The Joint Intelligence and Security Division at NATO Headquarters improves the Alliance’s understanding and analysis of hybrid threats. To be prepared, NATO continuously gathers, shares and assesses information in order to detect and attribute any ongoing hybrid activity. It will deter hybrid attacks on the Alliance and, if necessary, will defend Allies concerned. NATO will ensure that the Alliance and Allies are sufficiently prepared to counter hybrid attacks whatever form they may take. Since 2015, NATO has had a strategy on its role in countering hybrid warfare. ![]() Being prepared to prevent, counter and respond to hybrid attacks, whether by state or non-state actors, is a top priority for NATO. The speed, scale and intensity of hybrid threats have increased in recent years. They aim to destabilise and undermine societies. Hybrid methods are used to blur the lines between war and peace, and attempt to sow doubt in the minds of target populations. ![]() Hybrid threats combine military and non-military as well as covert and overt means, including disinformation, cyber attacks, economic pressure, deployment of irregular armed groups and use of regular forces. The Alliance actively counters disinformation and propaganda – not with more propaganda, but with facts – online, on air and in print.NATO’s Joint Intelligence and Security Division has a hybrid analysis branch that helps improve situational awareness.NATO is strengthening its coordination with partners, including the European Union, in efforts to counter hybrid threats.In July 2018, NATO leaders agreed to set up counter-hybrid support teams, which provide tailored targeted assistance to Allies upon their request, in preparing against and responding to hybrid activities.Since 2016, the Alliance has publicly stated that hybrid actions against one or more Allies could lead to a decision to invoke Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. ![]() The Alliance has developed a strategy on its role in countering hybrid warfare to help address these threats. NATO is prepared to assist any Ally against hybrid threats as part of collective defence.NATO Allies have strengthened their national resilience, including against hybrid threats, and have improved their ability to understand the hybrid threat picture across the Alliance. The primary responsibility to respond to hybrid threats or attacks rests with the targeted country.
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