Foreign Approaches to Gray Zone Conflicts

Foreign Approaches to Gray Zone Conflicts.

Author | Editor: National Intelligence Council.

The purposeful application of multiple elements of power—information, economic, military, political—to achieve objectives in ways that exceed the threshold for normal competition yet fall below the level of major interstate war.

“Gray Zone cannot mean everything if it is to mean anything.” “Gray Zone” conflicts are not synonymous with “Hybrid War.” “irregular War” or “MOOTW.” Intent, not the means, primarily distinguishes “Gray Zone” conflicts from other types of conflict. Why conduct “Gray Zone” conflicts? To avoid major power war and costly penalties, hinder an effective response by intentionally blurring peacetime and wartime operations, and control Escalation.

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