In a recent episode of Focus Radio: Op de Snijtafel on NPO Radio 1 Extra, RAW researcher Jessica Dorsey joined a panel of experts to discuss how new technologies are reshaping the nature of warfare. Hosted by Lara Billie Rense, the program explored topics such as hybrid threats, drone use, artificial intelligence, and their psychological and legal implications, providing insights into the challenges of modern military strategies. 

Roy Lindelauf, professor of Data Science at the Netherlands Defense Academy, opened the discussion by explaining how Europe faces hybrid threats like cable sabotage and disinformation campaigns alongside the ongoing conventional war in Ukraine. These activities blur the line between peace and conflict, complicating traditional responses. Bellingcat researcher Foeke Postma highlighted the importance of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in countering such threats. He explained how OSINT enhances the analysis of disinformation campaigns, where AI is used to rapidly spread misleading content and construct networks that appear to involve many individuals but are controlled by a few operators, eroding public trust and governance.

Cultural anthropologist Tine Molendijk and international law expert Jessica Dorsey both addressed the complex implications of drones in modern warfare. Molendijk explored the psychological toll on drone operators, explaining that their role often involves long-term observation of potential targets. This extended surveillance can lead to a distinct form of trauma, compared to traumas experienced by traditional soldiers. Dorsey expanded on the legal challenges, emphasizing that while drones and AI-enabled systems promise precision, their use raises a host of international legal concerns. She explained that drones make it easier to carry out targeted actions in areas outside of recognized armed conflict, often usurping the protections of international law and threatening to increase civilian harm and undermine the legitimacy of military operations because of the lack of transparency and accountability.

Dorsey further stressed the importance of distinguishing “hybrid threats” from “hybrid warfare”. She argued that misusing the term “warfare” risks justifying actions that undermine international norms, as seen in past campaigns like the War on Terror. She advocates for recognizing the true nature of these threats and using established legal frameworks to address them effectively, rather than defaulting to the language and mindset of war. 

For a deeper dive into the complexities of modern warfare, listen to the full discussion in Dutch here.

Image by Dutch Ministry of Defence