--- title: "Conference “Hybrid Threats 2026 — Lisbon | Model Diplomat" description: "Conference “Hybrid Threats – Countering Complexity in an Interconnected World” is a professional conference in Lisbon, Portugal, Feb 23, 2026." url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/conferences/professional/conference-hybrid-threats-countering-complexity-in-an-interconnected-world-2026" --- # Conference “Hybrid Threats – Countering Complexity in an Interconnected World” Feb 23, 2026[Lisbon, Portugal](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1\&query=Lisbon%2C%20Portugal)In-person [Registration open](https://www.idn.gov.pt/en/news/Pages/Conferencia-Internacional-Ameacas-Hibridas-Mitigar-Complexidade-Mundo-Interconectado.aspx) The conference, "Hybrid Threats – Countering Complexity in an Interconnected World," convenes in Lisbon, PRT, to address the multifaceted challenges posed by hybrid threats. These threats are characterized by their complex and interconnected nature, often blurring the lines between conventional and unconventional warfare, state and non-state actors, and military and non-military instruments. The event aims to foster a deeper understanding of these evolving security challenges and explore effective strategies for mitigation and response. ## Committees & topics - Topics Beyond the Battlefield: Multidimensional Conflict in the 21st Century ## Why it matters Hybrid threats represent a significant challenge to international stability and security, as they exploit vulnerabilities across various domains, including cyber, information, economic, and political spheres. Unlike traditional conflicts, hybrid threats often operate below the threshold of [armed conflict](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/armed-conflict), making attribution and response particularly difficult. This conference is crucial for developing a comprehensive approach to these challenges, bringing together experts to analyze their dynamics and formulate robust countermeasures. The discussions will likely touch upon the need for enhanced international cooperation and the development of resilient national infrastructures to withstand such pressures. Understanding the interplay of different threat vectors is paramount for policymakers and security professionals. The insights gained from this gathering can inform strategic planning and resource allocation, ensuring that countries are better equipped to protect their interests and populations from these insidious forms of aggression. ## How to prepare To effectively engage with the discussions on hybrid threats, participants should familiarize themselves with the concept's core tenets, including its historical evolution and contemporary manifestations. A review of various case studies where hybrid tactics have been employed would be beneficial, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the operational realities. Consider how different state and non-state actors leverage a combination of overt and covert actions to achieve strategic objectives. Furthermore, it is advisable to consider the implications of hybrid threats across different sectors, such as critical infrastructure, democratic processes, and public opinion. Preparing to discuss potential policy responses, technological solutions, and international legal frameworks will enable more substantive contributions. Reflect on lessons such as "engagement-strategies" and "dynamic-analysis" to frame potential solutions and foster collaborative approaches to countering these complex challenges. ## Country perspectives Where the most-relevant 1 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile. [Portugal](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/portugal) [As the host nation, PRT provides a European perspective on the challenges posed by hybrid threats, particularly within the context of regional security and international cooperation.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/portugal) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/portugal) [PRT's role as the conference host underscores its commitment to addressing contemporary security challenges and fostering dialogue among international partners on complex issues like hybrid warfare.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/portugal) ## Topics & background The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it. 1 ### Beyond the Battlefield: Multidimensional Conflict in the 21st Century The character of armed conflict has shifted markedly since the end of the Cold War. Where interstate war once revolved around the seizure of territory by uniformed armies, contemporary conflict increasingly unfolds across overlapping domains — cyber, information, economic, legal, and cognitive — alongside kinetic operations. The term 'hybrid warfare' gained currency after Hezbollah's 2006 confrontation with Israel and was reinforced by Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, which combined unmarked special forces, cyber intrusions, energy coercion, and disinformation. Analysts at NATO, the EU Hybrid CoE in Helsinki (established 2017), and the UN have since documented similar patterns from the South China Sea's 'grey-zone' maritime tactics to Iranian proxy networks across the Levant and the use of private military companies such as the Wagner Group in Africa. The core dispute is twofold. First, hybrid activity is designed to remain below the threshold of armed attack as defined by Article 51 of the UN Charter, frustrating collective response mechanisms built for conventional aggression. Second, attribution is deliberately obscured: states can deny responsibility for cyber operations, proxy militias, or troll farms while still achieving strategic effect. This creates a legal and political vacuum in which international humanitarian law, the law of state responsibility, and Security Council enforcement tools struggle to apply cleanly. Recent cases — the 2022 invasion of Ukraine with its parallel cyber and energy fronts, suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, alleged interference in elections across Europe and Africa, and instrumentalised migration flows on the Belarus–Poland border — have intensified calls for updated doctrine. Today the debate centres on how the international community should define, deter, and respond to multidimensional threats without lowering the threshold for legitimate use of force or eroding civil liberties at home. Proposals range from clarifying thresholds under existing international law, strengthening attribution capacities and sanctions regimes, building societal resilience against disinformation, and regulating private military and cyber actors. Divisions persist between states that view hybrid tools as illegitimate coercion and those that see Western framing of 'hybrid threats' as itself a politicised concept used to justify intervention. Key players - [Russia](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Principal practitioner of hybrid tactics in Europe, from Ukraine to information operations abroad.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) - [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Leading proponent of counter-hybrid doctrine and sanctions-based deterrence within NATO.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) - [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Employs grey-zone maritime, economic, and cyber tools, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) - [Ukraine](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/ukraine) [Frontline case study of full-spectrum hybrid and conventional warfare since 2014.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/ukraine) - [Iran](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/iran) [Operates extensive proxy and cyber networks across the Middle East.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/iran) - [Finland](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/finland) [Hosts the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats and models societal resilience.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/finland) ## Resources News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Conference “Hybrid Threats – Countering Complexity in an Interconnected World”. Recent reporting to ground your prep [AAP's Internal Crisis](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/aaps-internal-crisis-raghav-chadhas-exit-signals-deeper-issues) [Abiy's Landslide Masks Ethiopia's Fractures](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/abiys-landslide-masks-ethiopias-fractures) [DR Congo, M23 Rebels Sign Humanitarian Pact](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/dr-congo-and-m23-rebels-forge-humanitarian-agreement-for-peace) [Colombia's Drone War](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/colombias-drone-war-armed-groups-gain-upper-hand) Lessons Bite-sized lessons to build the basics [Hidden Stakeholders](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/hidden-stakeholders) [Engagement Strategies](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/engagement-strategies) [Dynamic Analysis](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/dynamic-analysis) [Stakeholder Mapping Workshop](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/stakeholder-workshop) Courses Guided courses that go deeper on the topic [Conflict Resolution](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/conflict-resolution) [Advanced Negotiation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/advanced-negotiation) [Multilateral Negotiation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/multilateral-negotiation) [Policy Brief Writing](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/policy-brief) The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance [Portugal](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/portugal) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/portugal) [Russia](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Ukraine](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/ukraine) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/ukraine) [Iran](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/iran) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/iran) [Finland](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/finland) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/finland) ## Frequently asked questions - - Free account Save conferences, research any topic with AI, build position papers, and keep your daily prep streak — free. [Create free account](https://modeldiplomat.com/sign-up?next=%2Fconferences%2Fprofessional%2Fconference-hybrid-threats-countering-complexity-in-an-interconnected-world-2026) Already a member? [Log in](https://modeldiplomat.com/sign-in?next=%2Fconferences%2Fprofessional%2Fconference-hybrid-threats-countering-complexity-in-an-interconnected-world-2026) Free account Save conferences, research any topic with AI, build position papers, and keep your daily prep streak — free. [Create free account](https://modeldiplomat.com/sign-up?next=%2Fconferences%2Fprofessional%2Fconference-hybrid-threats-countering-complexity-in-an-interconnected-world-2026) Already a member? [Log in](https://modeldiplomat.com/sign-in?next=%2Fconferences%2Fprofessional%2Fconference-hybrid-threats-countering-complexity-in-an-interconnected-world-2026)