The War You Can’t See: Gray Zone Operations Are Reshaping Global Security

The War You Can’t See: Gray Zone Operations Are Reshaping Global Security

From the Baltic to the South China Sea, adversaries exploit ambiguity and technology to weaken Western resolve and challenge international norms.

A ship crosses the Baltic Sea at sunrise. A ship in the Baltic Sea

In the middle of the night, with no witnesses, a single ship flagged out of Hong Kong drags its anchor across the Baltic Sea. In silence, it severs a vital gas pipeline and the digital cables that link northern capitals. By morning, millions lose connectivity, financial transactions stall, and energy grids flicker on the edge.

Author's summary

This article discusses the increasing threat of gray zone operations to global security, where adversaries use ambiguity and technology to challenge international norms.

more

The Cipher Brief The Cipher Brief — 2025-10-31

More News