Hybrid threats can persist over long periods of time. In Ukraine, such threats were used long before the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion. Over time, they evolved into hybrid warfare. Hybrid threats can also be used to influence elections well in advance of election day, and to shape countries’ strategic direction and development through political shifts in power.

Behind hybrid threats, there is typically an actor—often an authoritarian state or its proxy – seeking to expand its influence globally, regionally or over a specific country. By exploiting vulnerabilities in society, such actors can weaken social cohesion, deepen societal divisions and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

Building resilience to hybrid threats requires greater awareness among state and private actors, as well as civil society, regarding the nature of such threats. It also demands vigilance against foreign information influence and attempts to undermine fundamental rights and freedoms.

Capacity-building measures include protecting democratic institutions and strengthening safeguards for free elections. These efforts may also involve awareness-raising and training to improve media literacy and understanding of the information environment, as well as enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure and promoting increased cooperation among democratic states to develop strategies and tools to counter hybrid threats.

Within the EU and NATO, research is growing that supports improved capacity to analyse vulnerabilities, anticipate risks, and take measures to build resilience against hybrid threats. These vulnerabilities can exist across multiple societal domains and at international, national and local levels.

Protecting free and fair elections

Democracy is in decline globally, while authoritarian regimes are gaining ground. Free elections face a range of challenges—from conflict and the politicisation of electoral processes to hybrid threats and crises such as pandemics, natural disasters and climate change.

Complex hybrid threats targeting electoral processes are posing an increasing challenge to electoral integrity. Protecting free elections means identifying and addressing disruptions, and implementing preventive measures well in advance of election day – not just during or after elections. As with other types of hybrid threats, this work requires identifying vulnerabilities and capabilities, assessing potential consequences, and developing risk-reduction strategies. Ongoing monitoring and adaptation are necessary as threats evolve.

Democratic institutions and actors in FBA’s partner countries often need support—such as electoral authorities, the security sector, and other key actors involved in electoral processes.

What does FBA do?

Training and advice

FBA offers tailored training and advisory support to actors in partner countries and to international partners on how to build stronger resilience against hybrid threats. These trainings draw on research and models developed by the Hybrid Centre of Excellence and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. This work may involve vulnerability assessments and risk mitigation strategies.
FBA also provides training and advice on election planning and implementation in conflict-sensitive contexts—including strategies to identify, prevent and manage potential hybrid attacks and violent incidents related to elections.

Research

FBA supports international research working groups and funds research initiatives aimed at developing practical and applicable methods for strengthening resilience to hybrid threats and for protecting free and fair elections.

Secondments

FBA deploys civilian experts to international missions to support resilience-building against hybrid threats.

The agency also contributes personnel to election observation missions that Sweden has committed to participate in.

Our partner countries

Insights on how to strengthen resilience to hybrid threats and protect electoral processes complement both geographical and thematic strategies within Swedish international development cooperation.