A discussion titled “How to Practically Counter Hybrid Threats?” took place at the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC). The event addressed issues related to preventing hybrid threats, strengthening resilience, institutional coordination, and international cooperation in countering such threats. The discussion featured Amb. Eitvydas Bajarūnas – a member of the European Economic and Social Committee delegated by the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists and an associated expert at GSSC and Vilmantas Vitkauskas, Head of the National Crisis Management Center. The discussion was moderated by Vytautas Leškevičius, Senior Policy Analyst at GSSC.
During the conversation, various forms of hybrid threats were examined—from information operations and economic pressure to sabotage, cyber activities, and attempts to undermine public trust in state institutions and the state itself. It was emphasized that such threats often do not occur in isolation, but rather as an interconnected set of actions.
The discussion also explored how national resilience is strengthened and the importance of credible deterrence. Participants highlighted the role of institutional coordination, preparedness across different sectors, and the need for continuous adaptation to evolving threats. It was further stressed that critical infrastructure, strategic economic sectors, and supply chains are an essential part of overall national security and resilience—therefore, ongoing dialogue between the state and business, as well as regular vulnerability assessments, are necessary.
The role of international cooperation was also discussed. It was noted that allies’ engagement not only enables the sharing of experience and best practices, but also reinforces a collective response to hybrid threats.