A Comparison between the Concepts of Gray Zone and Hybrid War: What is New for International Security? Cover Image

Gri Bölge ve Hibrit Savaş Konseptleri Arasında Bir Karşılaştırma: Uluslararası Güvenlik Açısından Ne Gibi Yenilikler Vardır?
A Comparison between the Concepts of Gray Zone and Hybrid War: What is New for International Security?

Author(s): Fatih Akgül
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Security and defense
Published by: Atatürk Stratejik Araştırmalar Enstitüsü
Keywords: Gray Zone Concept; Hybrid War; Russia; China; the US;

Summary/Abstract: Gray Zone Concept, Hybrid War, Russia, China, the USAlbeit the Hybrid War has dominated security studies since 2006, it is also observed that the term ‘Gray Zone’ has increasingly taken part as well in connection with China and Russia after 2015. However, there is also a debate and confusion in the literature over gray zone activities, its relationship with hybrid war, and their implementations. This article aims to discuss and assess the theoretical relationship between these concepts and their implications for international security, by comparing recent Russian and Chinese practices. The article asserts that hybrid and gray zone activities are neither new nor the same, and the Gray Zone Concept emerged as a reflection of the shift in the US strategical attention from Russia to China, and aimed to harmonize US national interests with other Allies’ security concerns. However, it also acknowledges that the concept is real, and should be differentiated and separated from hybrid war.

  • Issue Year: 17/2021
  • Issue No: 38
  • Page Range: 411-439
  • Page Count: 29
  • Language: English