Migration as a Tool of Hybrid Warfare

In recent years, the strategic use of migration as a tool in hybrid warfare has gained increased attention, particularly in regions where geopolitical tensions are high. Recent developments have highlighted that while hybrid warfare is often associated with cyberattacks and information operations, migration can also be used to destabilise states. In this context, borders play a dual role: they serve as barriers to protect but can also become sources of tension and vulnerability. International efforts, such as cross border cooperation, aim to balance these dynamics by fostering economic and social exchange. However, the strategic use of migration to challenge and manipulate borders highlights how these spaces can be weaponised, turning protective barriers into pressure points for geopolitical manoeuvring.

This project’s primary objective is to deepen our understanding of how migration functions as a tool of hybrid warfare, providing insights into the strategic implications for border security and defence policy.

The project will develop a conceptual framework that positions migration as a tool, or weapon, of hybrid warfare, advancing theory on hybrid warfare and security dynamics. Doing so, it will assess  past and current responses to migration pressures along and within borders, across different geographic contexts, identifying strategic shifts, lessons learned, and areas for improvement in security and emergency preparedness.