On 22 November, GEOCASE’s foreign and security policy research fellow Nikoloz Khatiashvili participated in a Tbilisi regional conference on hybrid threats, organized by Georgian Students For Liberty. At the conference, Khatiashvili shared his presentation about  Ukraine’s experience in countering hybrid threats. In his speech, he examined the forms and evolution of Russia’s hybrid warfare against Ukraine, its historical context, and the current situation. He placed particular emphasis on the steps Ukraine has taken to strengthen national resilience and mount effective resistance against hybrid operations. His presentation highlighted several key areas, including: disinformation and psychological operations, cybersecurity, energy and economic coercion as tools of influence, and the importance of strong, resilient state institutions. 

Khatiashvili also underlined the crucial role of international cooperation in addressing hybrid threats, emphasizing in particular the support provided by the United States and the European Union. According to him, “Russia’s hybrid operations against Ukraine demonstrate how it seeks to weaken neighboring states through political, economic, and informational manipulation. At the same time, Ukraine’s strengthened resistance - coupled with support from the West - shows that effective coordination and strategic preparedness are essential to reducing hybrid threats.” 

The conference aimed to inform young people, academics, researchers, and representatives of various sectors about modern security challenges and to share best practices for countering hybrid threats across the region.