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Hybrid warfare is a military strategy that blends conventional warfare, irregular warfare and cyberwarfare.[1] In addition, hybrid warfare is used to describe attacks by nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, improvised explosive devices and information warfare.[2] This approach to conflicts, is a potent, complex variation of warfare.[3] Hybrid warfare can be used to describe the flexible and complex dynamics of the battlespace requiring a highly adaptable and resilient response.[1][2]
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United States Marine Corps Lt. Col. Bill Nemeth’s defined hybrid warfare as “the contemporary form of guerrilla warfare” that “employs both modern technology and modern mobilization methods.”[4]
Nathan Freier of the Center for Strategic and International Studies was one of key people that originally defined hybrid warfare involving four threats: (1) traditional; (2) irregular; (3) catastrophic terrorism; and (4) disruptive, which exploit technology to counteract military superiority.[4]
Retired United States Army Col. Jack McCuen defines hybrid warfare as the focus of activity of asymmetric warfare, fought on three decisive battlegrounds: (1) within the conflict zone population; (2) home front population; and (3) international community.[4]
David Kilcullen author of the book “The Accidental Guerrilla ISBN 0195368347” states hybrid warfare is the best explanation for modern conflicts, but highlights that it includes a combination of irregular warfare, civil war, insurgency and terrorism.[4]
The journalist Frank G. Hoffmani defines a hybrid warfare as any enemy that uses simultaneous and adaptive employment of a complex combination of conventional weapons, irregular warfare, terrorism and criminal behaviour in the battlespace to achieve political objectives.[4]
In November 2005, USMC Lieutenant General James N. Mattis, and USMCR Lieutenant Colonel Frank Hoffman, (Ret.) called "Hybrid Wars" an extension of the Three Block War to a Four Block War.[5]
Undersecretary of the Navy Robert O. Work has said that hostile forces would use “hybrid warriors” hidden in civilian populations.[6]