In order for us to understand why the GPA is so vital in ensuring world peace, we must bear in mind that modern warfare has shifted dramatically from the large-scale, state-on-state conflicts that dominated much of the 20th century. Today, the nature of conflict has become more fragmented, multifaceted, and unpredictable. Traditional wars between national armies, defined by clear battle lines and conventional tactics, are increasingly rare. In their place, a variety of complex and overlapping forms of warfare have emerged, complicating the efforts of peacekeepers and forcing policymakers to rethink how to address violence and instability in the 21st century.
Hybrid warfare is one of the most defining features of modern conflict. This strategy blurs the lines between traditional military operations and non-conventional tactics, combining physical force with tools like disinformation, cyberattacks, and economic coercion. Russia’s actions in Ukraine provide a stark example of this approach. Before its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia destabilized Ukraine through cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, propaganda campaigns designed to manipulate public opinion, and covert support for separatist forces in the Donbas region. These tactics made it difficult for Ukraine and its allies to pinpoint when and how hostilities began, complicating any coordinated response. Hybrid warfare thrives on ambiguity, making it a powerful tool for aggressors who want to avoid direct confrontation while still achieving their objectives.
The rise of cyber warfare has further transformed the battlefield, extending it into the digital world. State and non-state actors alike have developed sophisticated capabilities to disrupt economies, sabotage infrastructure, and steal sensitive information without ever firing a shot.
Read more in the book, The Global Peace Alliance