Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security

The Challenge It Addresses

As geopolitical tensions escalate and great-power rivalries intensify, Europe faces an unprecedented security crisis. Hybrid threats—covert operations that blend military, economic, diplomatic, and informational tools—are destabilizing liberal democracies from within, eroding political governance and social trust. Decision-makers across government, security services, and civil society struggle to detect, deter, and respond to these multifaceted attacks. Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security provides the evidence-based framework needed to understand and counter these complex challenges, drawing on the latest research in international crisis management.

This multi-disciplinary volume examines how aggressors deploy hybrid tactics, how targeted states and institutions are affected, and how victimized communities can build resilience. Without a collaborative, whole-of-society approach, even the most advanced security systems remain vulnerable. This book offers the strategic and operational guidance required to close that gap.

Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security at a Glance

Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security is a comprehensive academic work edited by Odd Jarl Borch and Tormod Heier, published by Routledge in 2025. It synthesizes cutting-edge research on hybrid warfare within the broader context of a security crisis in Europe. The book covers the full spectrum of hybrid threats—from cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to economic coercion and political subversion—and explores their impact on democratic governance.

The analysis is structured around three core perspectives: the aggressors who initiate hybrid campaigns, the targeted states and societies that must defend themselves, and the communities that bear the consequences. By integrating case studies and theoretical frameworks from international crisis management, the volume equips readers with actionable insights for collaborative preparedness and response.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is essential for professionals and scholars working at the intersection of security, governance, and crisis management. It is specifically designed for:

• Government policymakers and national security advisors responsible for developing counter-hybrid strategies
• Military and intelligence analysts who need to understand the evolving threat landscape in Europe
• Academics and researchers in security studies, political science, and international relations
• Crisis management practitioners in both public and private sectors
• Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in security and strategic studies
• Journalists and policy communicators covering European security issues
• Private-sector risk managers whose organizations face hybrid threats such as cyber espionage or supply-chain disruption

Whether you are a seasoned security professional or a newcomer to the field, the book’s multi-disciplinary approach provides the depth and breadth needed to navigate today’s complex security environment.

Inside: What You Will Master

By reading this book, you will gain a structured understanding of hybrid threats and how to counter them. Key takeaways include:

1. The anatomy of hybrid threats—how aggressors combine military, economic, informational, and diplomatic tools to achieve strategic objectives without triggering a conventional response.
2. Vulnerability of liberal democracies—why open societies are particularly susceptible to hybrid attacks that exploit political polarization, media fragmentation, and institutional trust.
3. Frameworks for collaborative preparedness—how governments, private sector actors, and citizens must coordinate to build societal resilience.
4. Case studies of hybrid campaigns—detailed examinations of recent incidents that illustrate tactics, consequences, and lessons learned.
5. Response mechanisms across sectors—from cyber defense and strategic communication to economic countermeasures and legal frameworks.
6. Future directions in crisis management—how the latest research in international crisis management can be applied to evolving hybrid threats.

What Sets It Apart

Many books on hybrid warfare focus narrowly on military tactics or cyber operations. This volume is unique because it integrates the political, social, and economic dimensions of hybrid threats within a single, coherent framework. Unlike competing titles that treat hybrid threats as a purely technical challenge, Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security emphasizes the human and institutional factors that determine a society’s ability to withstand destabilization.

Furthermore, the book is rooted in the latest international crisis management research, offering not just descriptive analysis but prescriptive guidance for policymakers and practitioners. Its multi-disciplinary perspective ensures that readers from different backgrounds—security, governance, business, civil society—can find practical relevance. The editors, both leading experts in security studies, have curated contributions that bridge theory and practice, making this title far more actionable than abstract academic treatises or overly technical manuals.

About the Author

Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security is edited by Odd Jarl Borch and Tormod Heier, both highly respected figures in European security research. Borch and Heier have extensive experience in military and academic institutions, bringing firsthand knowledge of crisis management and strategic studies. Their combined expertise ensures that the content is both rigorous and relevant to real-world challenges.

The book is published by Routledge, a world-leading academic publisher specializing in social sciences and security studies. Routledge’s peer-review process and editorial standards guarantee the quality and trustworthiness of the research presented. As a 2025 publication, this volume represents the most current thinking on hybrid threats, making it an indispensable resource for anyone serious about understanding and countering the security crisis in Europe.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. In an era where hybrid threats are becoming the new normal, this book provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for preparedness and response. It goes beyond surface-level analysis to explore the underlying political and social vulnerabilities that aggressors exploit. The collaborative framework it advocates is precisely what is missing in many current security strategies.

For security professionals, policymakers, and academics, this book is not just a worthwhile investment—it is a necessary tool for staying ahead of evolving threats. The combination of theoretical depth, practical case studies, and actionable recommendations makes it a standout title in the field. If you are involved in any aspect of European security or crisis management, this volume belongs on your bookshelf.

Download Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security Now

European democracies face an escalating crisis of hybrid subversion. You cannot afford to rely on outdated approaches. This book equips you with the most current, research-backed strategies for building resilience across government, industry, and society. Whether you are a policymaker, analyst, or security practitioner, Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security gives you the insights you need to stay ahead of the threat.

Published by Routledge in 2025, this edition represents the cutting edge of crisis management research. Order your copy today and join the community of professionals committed to defending democratic governance against hybrid warfare.