Targeting fears, prejudices, and differing values: identity and hybrid threats

Jalonen, O., Razakamaharavo, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0051-9190, Freedman, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2440-7131 and Hoogensen Gjorv, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8037-7796 (2025) Targeting fears, prejudices, and differing values: identity and hybrid threats. In: Hoogensen Gjørv, G., Glebov, S. and Holshek, C. (eds.) The Eighth Baseline Requirement: Resilient Civilians in Hybrid Threats and Warfare. NATO Science for Peace and Security Series - E: Human and Societal Dynamics, 158. IOS Press, pp. 93-101. ISBN 9781643686127 doi: 10.3233/nhsdp250011

Abstract/Summary

Democratic societies and states rely on trust – both between civilians and their governing authorities, as well as between civilians themselves, as neighbours and fellow-members of society. Formenting division between people by targeting existing vulnerabilities and weaknesses in society has increasingly become standard practice for state and non-state actors interested in weakening a state without resorting to traditional military means and the use of force. Identity markers like gender and gender identification, class, race, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation are targeted in multiple ways, both to cause harm to marginalized groups who do not conform to traditional and/or dominant group identity markes, but also to increase anger, hate, fear, and disgust among those who harbour existing uncertainties and/or prejudices towards certain segments of the population. This chapter addresses the ways in which identity is used, particularly in disinformation campaigns, in attempts to impact and fragment democratic societies. It also examines the role of civilians in resisting such campaigns as a part of civilian resilience.