Prof.dr Darko Trifunovic, chair Panel 1 with Prof. Dr. Tomasz Aleksandrowicz. In Panel 2, prof.dr Trifunovic had a presentation under the following title:

“Early Detection of Hybrid Operation as Part of Special Warfare.”

Abstract: Hybrid wars or hybrid operations are part of what we traditionally call Special Warfare. Hybrid warfare primarily employs activities related to information and media warfare. If this type of warfare does not achieve the desired effect, it may lead to the possible use of armed force; in other words, it is Special Warfare in modern circumstances. Modern circumstances have also brought new technologies and new ways of conflict to various platforms, such as social media, information networks, or, more accurately, disinformation. These are operations of influence aimed primarily at psychological and propaganda actions directed at civilians and military structures. The goal is to weaken a state’s defense power and mislead it, to provoke a specific reaction. This way, the state and society do not react to phenomena such as systemic corruption or terrorism, and the terrorist threat. Hybrid warfare and hybrid operations also aim to paralyze state institutions. It is essential to develop state or institutional capacities that are the state’s primary response to these security threats. To achieve this, intelligence services must first understand the phenomenology of this security threat and detect indicators of hybrid actions or warfare in time to react promptly.