BAKU: Azerbaijan faces a complex form of conflict known as hybrid warfare, where disinformation, cyberattacks, and media manipulation are employed alongside traditional military tactics to undermine its sovereignty and destabilize its government. Western states and international institutions are reportedly using these methods to discredit Azerbaijan on the world stage and create internal discord.

According to Trend News Agency, disinformation campaigns have become a significant tool in the hybrid warfare arsenal, with Western media often publishing biased reports on the Karabakh conflict, human rights, and press freedom in Azerbaijan. These reports, allegedly coordinated with Armenian diaspora sources, aim to portray Azerbaijan negatively and delegitimize its sovereignty. Mark Galeotti, an expert on hybrid warfare, highlights the strategic intent behind these campaigns to weaken Azerbaijan’s international standing.

International organizations such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and the European Parliam
ent are also implicated as vehicles for political pressure. Reports criticizing Azerbaijan’s government, particularly regarding human rights, often overlook the country’s social and economic progress. Fiona Hill, a political analyst, suggests that these reports form part of a broader strategy to label Azerbaijan as a “problematic state,” potentially paving the way for economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in this hybrid conflict, frequently acting as conduits for Western influence. These NGOs, often funded by foreign governments, accuse Azerbaijan of human rights violations without substantial evidence, according to Edward Luttwak, a hybrid warfare expert. Such actions aim to erode public trust in the government, mirroring tactics seen in “color revolutions” elsewhere.

Cyberattacks have also become a central aspect of the hybrid warfare against Azerbaijan. During the 2020 Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani government websites and critical infrastr
ucture faced coordinated cyberattacks. Digital Shadows experts confirmed these attacks were part of a broader strategy to destabilize the nation, illustrating the fusion of digital technology with traditional subversion methods.

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been used to spread fake news and manipulate public opinion. In 2021, Azerbaijani authorities identified a disinformation campaign through Facebook, which aimed to fabricate mass protests. Facebook later confirmed these accounts were linked to foreign groups seeking to destabilize Azerbaijan.

Reports from international organizations, such as those by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, frequently criticize Azerbaijan based on subjective sources, lacking balanced context. These reports, along with media narratives, contribute to the coordinated efforts of Western entities using hybrid warfare tactics to target Azerbaijan.

Hybrid warfare represents a new type of conflict where information manipulation and digital tools p
lay critical roles. Azerbaijan continues to bolster its cybersecurity and public diplomacy to counter these threats, recognizing that maintaining sovereignty requires resilience against multifaceted hybrid warfare strategies.