Hybrid war: The Ukrainian front

Abstract: The 20th and 21st centuries have brought with them many changes, and while it may be considered common knowledge that warfare and technology march together, it has only been in most recent times that the entire nature of conflict has evolved. Cyberspace, economics, hearts, and minds, have joined the traditional theatres of combat of land, sea, and air. This new type of contest has a name: hybrid warfare. This thesis will delve into the theories and concepts behind this mercurial new way of waging war and prove that the situation unfolding in Eastern Ukraine constitutes a textbook example of one, when viewed from a western lens. The counterpoint view, that of Russia’s, will also be explored.