Arlington, Virginia - The Partnership for Peace Consortium’s (PfPC) Working Group on Irregular Warfare and Hybrid Threats (IWHT) convened a pivotal workshop in Washington D.C. from April 29 to May 1, 2024, focusing on the "Emerging Frontiers of Irregular Warfare and Hybrid Threats." Held at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in Arlington, VA, the event brought together 25 civil and military subject matter experts (SMEs) and academics from nine countries. This workshop aimed to refine the group's design, structure, and methodology while laying the groundwork for future discussions.

Strategic Competition and Hybrid Activities Highlighted

Co-chaired by Dr. Aleksandra Nesic from FSI and Dr. Kevin Stringer from FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, the workshop emphasized the importance of addressing irregular warfare and hybrid threats amid increasing strategic competition and hybrid activities. Participants shared insights on regional and functional challenges, discussing disruptive technologies, cognitive influence, threat finance, and proxy utilization. George C. Marshall Center Director Barre Seguin, Director of the George C. Marshall Center, highlighted the necessity of innovative approaches to these complex issues during his keynote address.

Future Directions and Collaboration

Participants identified key focus areas for the next two years, ensuring a systematic approach to contemporary and emerging phenomena in irregular warfare and hybrid threats. The working group aims to establish a trusted global network to educate leaders, provide policy analysis, and advise NATO and partner nations on critical issues such as cognitive warfare and AI resilience. This collaborative effort seeks to enhance strategic advantages and address the evolving landscape of global security threats.

To learn more about the Irregular Warfare and Hybrid Threats working group, click here.