As the world grapples with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, a new report from the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) sheds light on a more insidious threat - Russia's relentless "shadow war" against the West. This covert campaign of aggression, which spans disinformation, cyber-attacks, and support for extremist groups, poses a grave danger to global stability. What this really means is that the battle against Russian aggression is far from over; in fact, it may be entering a more treacherous phase.
The Escalating Threat
According to the CEPA report, Russia has doubled down on its efforts to undermine Western institutions and sow discord, even as its conventional military forces have been bogged down in Ukraine. "Russia's shadow war is a multifaceted assault on the rules-based international order," the authors warn, "one that requires a coordinated, whole-of-government response." This includes a relentless campaign of disinformation, cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, and support for far-right and anti-establishment movements across Europe and North America.
The bigger picture here is that Russia's actions represent a fundamental challenge to the post-Cold War liberal order. As BBC reports, Moscow is seeking to erode faith in democratic institutions and Western alliances, with the ultimate goal of asserting its own authoritarian influence on the global stage. This shadow war, in other words, is about much more than just Ukraine - it's about the future of the international system itself.
A Call to Action
So, what can be done to counter Russia's shadow war? The CEPA report offers a series of recommendations, including strengthening cyber defenses, combating disinformation through improved media literacy, and imposing targeted sanctions on Russian oligarchs and proxies. As The New York Times notes, the West must also be prepared to engage in its own covert operations to disrupt Russian activities and deter further aggression.
Ultimately, the fight against Russia's shadow war is a battle for the very foundations of the international order. As our earlier coverage explored, the stakes could not be higher. The world must come together to confront this threat head-on, lest we risk sliding into a new era of global instability and conflict.