CSS 2019 Solved Current Affairs Past Papers | Techniques of Hybrid Warfare in Context to Pakistan
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Question Breakdown
This question has one part that requires an analysis of instruments of hybrid warfare techniques in Pakistan.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Hybrid warfare: An overview
3-Instruments of techniques of hybrid warfare in the context of Pakistan
- ✓Content and narrative manipulation
- ✓Non-state actors
- ✓Contras rebel group
- ✓Accelerated pluralism
- ✓Cyber Attacks
- ✓Economic strangulation
- ✓Coercive diplomacy
4-Way Forward
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The modernization of contemporary warfare due to the advancement of technology has given birth to hybrid warfare. Hybrid warfare is the amalgamation of conventional and non-conventional warfare tactics. Pakistan, being a vulnerable nation, has always been victimised by its arch-rivals. However, Pakistan is unable to ensure its political stability due to foreign agenda, making it even more vulnerable to the calamities of hybrid warfare. In the wake of hybrid warfare, Pakistan has been labelled a terror state through exaggerating propaganda and manipulation of narratives using fake information and cyberattacks. Nevertheless, in 1971, Pakistan was victimized by the proxies of India during the chaotic political situation in East Pakistan and West Pakistan. Furthermore, India’s Doval Doctrine, accusations of providing shelter to terrorists and Pakistan’s fight for freedom of Kashmir portrayed as terrorist activities, etc., are certain techniques of hybrid warfare in Pakistan. Moreover, hybrid warfare has always been waged, destabilizing states socially, economically and politically, such as the emergence of rebel groups in Balochistan and the Western region embedded their roots in Pakistan, which is proven even more crucial for Pakistan’s stability. Eventually, Pakistan is capable enough in its abilities to combat conventional warfare, letting enemies indulge in hybrid warfare to destabilize and delegitimize Pakistan. However, the political instability and weak governance in Pakistan make it more vulnerable to the calamities of hybrid warfare. Ultimately, it is the need of the hour for Pakistan to strengthen its digital defence for survival in a competitive world.
Hybrid Warfare: An Overview
In the era of nuclear proliferation, hybrid warfare has been used to delegitimize the enemy’s hybrid warfare; states use controlled narratives, cyber-attacks, cyber-attacks, and diplomatic and political tools to wage low-intensity warfare to delegitimize their adversaries. The nature of hybrid warfare is asymmetrical and non-conventional, as it operates in the grey zone. It is a combination of kinetic and subversive war rather than traditional warfare. Hybrid war can be waged by certain tools such as cyber-attacks, content and narrative manipulation, economic strangulation, psychological warfare, and accelerated pluralism.
Instruments of Techniques of Hybrid Warfare in the context of Pakistan
- Content and Narrative Manipulation
India has been indulging in content manipulation and narrative against Pakistan through its hybrid warfare techniques. The EU disinformation lab, an EU watchdog, has published several reports claiming India’s disinformation campaigns against Pakistan. It has been reported that around 750 websites are listed in 119 states to defame or demoralize Pakistan. The agenda behind spreading fake information against Pakistan is destabilizing the country on the brink of its weak economic and political situation. Nevertheless, this propaganda has further escalated the tension between Pakistan and India, which seems to abduct negotiations between Pakistan and India regarding resolving the Kashmir issue. Ultimately, the tensions between the two neighbours would question the security situation in South Asia.
- Non-state actors
Non-state actors, including militias and extremist groups, have further victimised the country, pushing it to the brink of hybrid warfare. Lashkar Taiba, BLA and TTP have strengthened their foothold in the country amidst Pakistan’s unstable political and economic situation. These organizations have succeeded in carrying out several attacks in Pakistan. For instance, during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and in retaliation, the USA, with the help of allies, supported the Taliban to contain the Soviets in Afghanistan; later, the USA abandoned Pakistan and designated it as a terrorist state. These groups have embedded their roots in Pakistan’s northwest region, creating new challenges by engaging in conflicts in the region.
- Contras Rebel Group
Contras rebel group is another major threat in Pakistan, inculcating hybrid warfare. India, as an arch-enemy of Pakistan, has always been involved in attempting terrorist activities in Pakistan. It has sponsored rebel groups in Balochistan to create tension and engage in proxy warfare. In the past, during the 1971 crisis in East Pakistan, India played a proxy role by promoting Sheikh Mujeeb’s six-point campaign and fueling the civil war. Similarly, India is still involved in low-intensity conflicts, referring to hybrid warfare. Additionally, there are other foreign agencies, such as the CIA, operating in Pakistan and using technological tactics for hybrid warfare.
- Accelerated Pluralism
Accelerated pluralism, or the exacerbation of the Sunni-Shia conflict, has been exploited by external actors to serve their interests, leading to chaos and vulnerability in Pakistan. Sunni extremist groups in Pakistan, such as the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, target Shia communities, carrying out high-profile assassinations and creating an extremist environment in the state. Reports suggest that these groups have received support from Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia to gain regional dominance in the Middle East against Iran, a Shia-supported group. On the other hand, Iran, as a pro-Shia state, targets Sunni communities in Pakistan.
- Cyber Attack
Cyber-attacks are a critical tool used in hybrid warfare in Pakistan. The advancement of technology has led to the adoption of innovative technologies in the finance, banking, and medical health sectors. However, the misuse of certain technologies has caused significant issues for Pakistan, such as cyber-attacks. For instance, Pakistan has experienced a major cyber attack in the banking sector that resulted in the breaching of data and the theft of immense amounts of money. Nevertheless, the incident came to notice when Bank Al Islamic reported the theft of 3 million rupees due to a cyber attack. Furthermore, the rivalries of Pakistan target Pakistan’s armed forces and ISI to question the delegitimizing of Pakistan’s weak army.
- Economic Strangulation
Economic strangulation is another tool used in hybrid warfare to destabilize the country. Economic sanctions have often been imposed on Pakistan to weaken its economy and hinder its development, especially regarding nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and regional security. Furthermore, Pakistan’s defence and economic sectors have been highly degraded by US sanctions following Pakistan’s nuclear test in 1998. As a result, Pakistan has been placed on the FATF grey list for many years, its access to foreign financial markets has deteriorated, and hurdles have been created in securing foreign investment and loans. The long-lasting effects of these sanctions have destabilized Pakistan’s economy, diminished investors’ confidence, and created a barrier to implementing domestic reforms. Ultimately, these economic sanctions have destabilized Pakistan by weakening its economy without military confrontation.
- Coercive Diplomacy
Coercive diplomacy is yet another tool used against Pakistan waging hybrid warfare. It includes both military and non-military capabilities to destabilize the country. India, being a traditional foe of Pakistan, has targeted Pakistan’s credibility through Coercive diplomacy; nevertheless, India coerces Pakistan through economic and diplomatic means. For instance, in 2016, India conducted surgical strikes, and in 2019, Balakot airstrikes in collaboration with international diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan. Moreover, India, along with international organizations such as FATF and international global powers, Pressure Pakistan to take measures for counterterrorism, pushing for sanctions and scrutiny over alleged terrorism financing. Additionally, India’s narrative building against Pakistan as a terrorist financing country reverberated globally, further straining the relationship between Pakistan and key players. However, a hybrid war, using its military capabilities as well as economic, diplomatic and media campaigns, was waged against Pakistan to delegitimize it internationally and prominence India’s Influence at regional and global levels.
Way forward
Pakistan should prepare itself to compete against its adversaries, waging hybrid warfare, which is far worse than conventional warfare. It is the need of the hour for Pakistan to take realistic policy measures to fight against the adversaries of hybrid warfare. Furthermore, Pakistan needs to strengthen its governance to preserve its sovereignty. Nevertheless, Pakistan urges to ensure its political stability and take reliable policy measures in cooperation with both the government and the opposition. Additionally, with the help of foreign collaboration, Pakistan needs to work on its digital defence. Moreover, subsidizing human resources would likely be an effective step towards digital defence. However, there should be training for students to collaborate in teams for digital defence. Finally, to counter the speed of narrative manipulation and campaign, Pakistan needs to work on boosting digital defence in state and social media.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hybrid warfare has proved disastrous for the sovereignty of countries, especially the politically and economically weak countries that have always been victimised by their adversaries. Pakistan, being a political and economically unstable country, is on the brink of this new generation of warfare. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s strong digital rivalries have taken benefit of this hybrid warfare to destabilize Pakistan. The only way to avoid such adversaries is to implement strong policies, invest in human resources, strengthen governance to make Pakistan a digital defensive, and promote cooperation between the military and civil sectors. It is an urgent need for Pakistan to take action, or else it will face regret in the face of the most exploitative warfare.
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