Russian Hybrid Threats in Libya Applied to Baltics

Russia’s global influence has been enhanced by their use of hybrid threats in the Libyan Civil War. These threats include private military companies (PMC) and information warfare (IW). This paper will highlight lessons learned by Russia’s effective use of both hybrid threat techniques to support the Libyan National Army. Through their successful use of these threats, Russia has gained regional political and economic benefit, which may embolden the Kremlin to extend these threats to other regions, specifically the Baltic States

What is Russia's Theory of Competition?

Published May 8, 2026
By RSI EUCOM

TOPIC SPONSOR: Russia Strategic Initiative (EUCOM)

What is Russia's Theory of Competition? Analyze Russia's Theory of Competition.

Evans, Capt. Stephanie, "Exploiting the Alliance: Identifying Methods for the U.S. to Counteract the Advantages of the Russia-Iran International Partnership," AFGC thesis, 2025, 37 pgs.
- Evans answers that Russia views conflict as a scalable continuum rather than a binary state of war or peace. Their theory of competition relies heavily on hybrid warfare and "gray zone" activities—such as employing proxy forces, cyber-attacks, and misinformation—to challenge US strategic objectives while maintaining anonymity. By utilizing ambiguity, non-state organizations like the Russian Business Network, and unmarked military personnel ("little green men"), Russia creates confusion that delays attribution and limits the ability of the US to respond effectively.
Tarman, Col. Gürhan (Turkish AF), "Is Russia in the Middle East to Stay?" AWC Strategic Studies paper, 2018, 31 pgs.