Chapter 2 - Intelligence in the age of Contested Norms and Persistent Disorder Flashcards
Discuss the following quote:
“The state on state conflict on the 20th century are being replaced by hybrid wars and asymmetric contests in which there is no clear-cut distinction between soldiers and civilians, and between organized violence, terror, crime, and war”
What is asymmetrical warfare?
A form of conflict that exploits dissimilarities in capabilities between two opponents. Typically used when one entity is faced with an opponent who has superior military forces
What are the two main causes of hybrid wars?
Globalization and information technology. These have increased the prevalence of networks and non-state actors in conflict
Discuss netwars
Information related conflict that makes use of new technologies. Typically materializes as actions by governments or non-state actors used to distort political sentiment (domestically or foreign) to achieve a strategic and/or geopolitical outcome.
Discuss the methods used in netwars
False news, disinformation, networks of fake social media accounts (amplifiers), and other tools aimed at manipulating public opinion
Provide three examples of netwars
- Iran and Saudia Arabia proxy war in Yemen
- Anonymous cyber attacks on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine
- Russian social media influence during the 2016 election
What are the three non-state actors that intelligence is most concerned with
- Insurgent networks
- Transnational crime enterprise networks
- Individual / lone wolf
Discuss insurgent networks
A rebel or revolutionary. Someone who takes up arms against authority. Typically have support from states not directly involved in the conflict.
Provide examples of insurgent networks
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS
Islamic State of Iraq and Levant - ISIL
Ukrainian separatists - after Russia illegally seized Crimea in 2014
What does ISIS and ISIL stand for?
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
Islamic State of Iraq and Levant
What year did Russia annex Crimea from Ukraine?
2014
Discuss translational crime enterprise networks
Typically engage in narcotics and human trafficking, piracy, illegal natural resource and wildlife trade, cybercrime, or money laundering.
They destabilize regions, subvert governments and operate in failed states
Discuss Individuals / lone wolf
Single players and much harder to identify. Typically followers of a radical movement
What tools do non state actor rely on and what advantages do they have over state actors?
Non state actors rely on strategies and tactics typically not available to state actors, ie terror. They have increased access to financing, advanced weaponry, and recruits. Nonstate actors are also able to adapt to changing environments and threats much faster than state actors are
What are the 4 tools of conflict?
Diplomatic
Information
Military
Economic
