Hybrid Warfare Beyond the Battlefield: Small-State Resilience and Lessons from Estonia

Drawing on Estonia’s experience from the 2007 cyberattacks to more recent acts of sabotage, airspace violations and other forms of hostile activity, this presentation examines how hybrid threats challenge the security and resilience of small states. It explores how Russia combines military intimidation, cyber operations, sabotage and information warfare to undermine public confidence, exploit societal vulnerabilities and incite political divisions.  The presentation highlights how these actions are part of Russia’s broader confrontation with Western democracies and an extension of its war against Ukraine beyond the battlefield. Estonia’s experience offers lessons on strengthening national resilience, deterring hostile actions and defending the principles underpinning the international order.  

Refreshments will be provided at the event.