BAD BOY ! MR. PUTIN

 “ Blending New-generation Warfare and Soft Power: Hybrid Dimensions of Russia-Bulgaria Relations

 17.1.01_hybrid_dimensions_of_russia-bulgaria_relations.pdf

Stefan Hadjitodorov; Martin Sokolov

Keywords:

Abstract:

<p>In order to effectively counter hybrid warfare, it is necessary to understand it. However, certain aspects of hybrid warfare are often confused with traditional soft power. This article aims to highlight the differences between the two by analyzing the relationship between Bulgaria and Russia. The latter enjoys considerable opportunities to exercise soft power, but often must accompany them with hybrid means. Yet, labeling everything as hybrid warfare becomes detrimental to the topic itself. Moreover, it runs the risk of ascribing greater power to the Kremlin which may not truly be the case. The aim of the authors is to expose the threats, opportunities, and limits of Russian influence in Bulgaria and the possible outcomes.</p>

Introduction

Following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 the popularity of the term ‘hybrid warfare’ increased significantly. Albeit many scholars and strategists have addressed this topic since the 90s, it has also become part of the lexicon of journalists, politicians, and the general public. In 2015 Janis Berzins correctly noted that “the word hybrid is catchy since it may represent a mix of anything.” [1] This often leads to mistaking soft power, or even mere interaction between states, for forms of hybrid warfare. The crux is that the term has come to serve as a general description of all non-conventional conflicts.

Nevertheless, research and debate regarding hybrid warfare are vital, as Russia’s version—the new generation warfare—caught almost the entire world off-guard in 2014. Moreover, in many ways, the United States, NATO, and the European Union are still struggling to find an adequate defense or counter-measures against it. This is especially troubling, as non-linear warfare is nothing new. Even in recent years we have seen examples of hybrid warfare conducted by Hezbollah against Israel, Turkey against the Kurds, and even Russia against Georgia in 2008. Moreover, in Bulgaria’s case the majority of risks for its national security emanate from outside its borders.[2]

This article focuses on the relations between Russia and Bulgaria. This case is particularly interesting as the countries share many ties – historic, cultural, linguistic, and economic, among many others. Thus, it is evident that the Kremlin has many opportunities to exercise influence in Bulgaria and even shape public perception and mold the political landscape. The authors will try to enhance the understanding of hybrid warfare and its ambit by analyzing the relations between a resurging power and a country that is both an EU and NATO member. To do so, the article first looks at what is de facto hybrid warfare, both from a historical and military perspective. Second, the authors analyze Russia’s new generation warfare. Finally, the paper considers the concrete examples of Russia’s hybrid warfare against Bulgaria.” “

AS I STATED, GERMAN AND RUSSIAN, BUT ‘ RUSSIAN ‘ WAS NOT SPOKEN BY MOUTH AT MANNYS RESTAURANT IN 2006.

“ DA “ WAS A SLIP, I AM CONVINCED OF THAT REGARDING WHAT I HEARD IN ‘ MENTAL RAPES.’

I SUGGEST MAYBE ALBUQUERQUES S&M CULTURE, AND GAY BARS, WHERE SOME SOLDIERS MIGHT OF FREQUENTED AND OF COURSE ZORRO RANCH AND OR SANTA FE INSTITUTE AT THE TIME 1999-2006.

BECAUSE OF MY OWN VIEWINGS AND WHERE I AM NOW IN MY MEMORIES AND ‘ THREATS’ FROM ‘ WHITES ‘ AND ORDERS I LEFT OUT THE URL OF ARTICLE ABOVE.

BUT I AM RIGHT. SEE SCREEN SHOT: