The opinion paper by Luis A. Hernández-García published by IEEE in April 2022 examines the conceptual definitions and operational challenges of grey zone and hybrid warfare, situating these concepts on the conflict spectrum from peace to open war. It explains how grey zone conflicts involve coercive, typically non-lethal actions that do not cross into open warfare, such as economic sanctions, cyberattacks, disinformation, and political interference. Hybrid warfare includes both these tactics and conventional military operations. The paper uses the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as a primary example of these dynamics, noting how from 2014 onwards, and especially following the invasion in February 2022, the conflict has moved from grey zone activities into full military combat, though grey zone tactics remain central. It highlights the multidimensional nature of hybrid strategy with military forces serving as essential deterrence and operational capabilities within such conflicts. The document emphasizes Western nations' roles as non-belligerents supporting Ukraine, thereby engaging in a reciprocal grey zone escalation against Russia. The analysis draws on doctrinal sources from the Spanish Ministry of Defence and expert reports on Russian hybrid warfare, aiming to clarify terminology and improve strategic planning and response capabilities for grey zone conflicts, which often defy traditional military response thresholds. This conceptual reflection is intended to aid military and defense organizations in understanding and addressing the complexity posed by hybrid threats in contemporary security environments.

The opinion paper by Luis A. Hernández-García published by IEEE in April 2022 examines the conceptual definitions and operational challenges of grey zone and hybrid warfare, situating these concepts on the conflict spectrum from peace to open war. It explains how grey zone conflicts involve coercive, typically non-lethal actions that do not cross into open warfare, such as economic sanctions, cyberattacks, disinformation, and political interference. Hybrid warfare includes both these tactics and conventional military operations. The paper uses the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as a primary example of these dynamics, noting how from 2014 onwards, and especially following the invasion in February 2022, the conflict has moved from grey zone activities into full military combat, though grey zone tactics remain central. It highlights the multidimensional nature of hybrid strategy with military forces serving as essential deterrence and operational capabilities within such conflicts. The document emphasizes Western nations' roles as non-belligerents supporting Ukraine, thereby engaging in a reciprocal grey zone escalation against Russia. The analysis draws on doctrinal sources from the Spanish Ministry of Defence and expert reports on Russian hybrid warfare, aiming to clarify terminology and improve strategic planning and response capabilities for grey zone conflicts, which often defy traditional military response thresholds. This conceptual reflection is intended to aid military and defense organizations in understanding and addressing the complexity posed by hybrid threats in contemporary security environments.