NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES DURING HYBRID WARFARE: THE EVOLVING ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE

Abstract

Post-Cold War global strategic dynamics have evolved, with conventional warfare generally perceived as the least preferable option. Consequently, growing reliance on non-traditional instruments of combat is necessitating a reappraisal of the customary understanding of national security. With the evolution of warfare and the emergence of concepts like hybrid wars, the challenges of the national security apparatus have become more complicated. Among the national security hierarchy, intelligence has always assumed greater focus for being the first line of defense. However, intelligence organizations are predominantly structured to address traditional national security threats. Would it be possible for a conventionally trained intelligence hierarchy to deal with the hybrid warfare challenges without being restructured? Can intelligence setups address non-traditional security threats while presumably lacking functional adaptability in the physical and cognitive domains? This paper will seek an understanding of national security during hybrid warfare and evaluate the role of intelligence in addressing evolving challenges.