Experts Warn Hybrid Warfare Is Shrinking Crisis Response Window

Experts warned that rapidly evolving hybrid warfare is shrinking the window for crisis response, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

The warning came during a roundtable hosted by the Arms and Disarmament Centre of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad on Wednesday. Participants said hybrid warfare, driven by cyber operations, artificial intelligence, information manipulation and diplomatic pressure, is compressing decision-making timelines and creating new challenges for national security in Pakistan.

Hybrid warfare refers to the blending of conventional and unconventional tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and economic or diplomatic coercion, often deployed below the threshold of open conflict. Experts at the event argued that such tactics make it increasingly difficult for policymakers to identify threats and respond before a crisis escalates.

The roundtable reflects growing concern among security analysts in the region about how emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, are reshaping the nature of modern conflict and complicating traditional approaches to national defense planning.