U.S. competitors pursuing meaningful revision or rejection of the current U.S.-led status quo are employing a host of hybrid methods to advance and secure interests contrary to those of the United States. These challengers employ unique combinations of influence, intimidation, coercion, and aggression to incrementally crowd out effective resistance, establish local or regional advantage, and manipulate risk perceptions in their favor. The authors state that the United States has not yet come up with a coherent countervailing approach. It is in this “gray zone”—the awkward and uncomfortable space between traditional conceptions of war and peace—where the United States and its defense enterprise face systemic challenges to U.S. position and authority. Gray zone competition and conflict present fundamental challenges to U.S. and partner security and, consequently, should be important pacers for U.S. defense strategy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Executive Summary
Foundational Understanding
I. Introduction—No More Black or White, Only Gray
II. Study Methodology
III. Framing the Challenge
IV. The Strategic Environment—Three Alternative Assumptions
V. Risk-Informed Approach to Assessing Gray Zone Challenges Analysis of Gray Zone Archetypes
VI. Enter the Dragon—China as a High-End Gray Zone Revisionist
VII. Re-Enter the Bear—The New Russian Hybrid Threat
VIII. The Untamed Lion—Iran’s 40 Year Gray Zone Campaign
IX. The Scorpion Unleashed—The “Beginning of History” in a Failing Middle East
X. The Endangered Eagle—The United States as a Gray Zone Actor
Study Outcomes
XI. Findings and Recommendations
XII. Conclusion—Adaptation and Activism
Appendices and Endnotes
Appendix I – Working Group Participants
Appendix II – About the Contributors
End notes
This publication would be useful to the military's analysis and strategy communities, civilian leaders, military commanders and staff officers at all levels, policymakers, members of government and defense agencies/contractors, and members of military-focused committees. This publication would also be useful to historians and students engaged with historical/political/military studies.
Product Details
- Frier, Nathan P.
- Regaining Strategic Initiative in the Gray Zone
- Regaining Strategic Initiative in the Gray Zone, A Report
- Report Sponsored by the Army Capabilities Integration Center
- Strategy
- Security, International
- International relations