Author(s):
Stefan Piasecki & Darjusch Bartsch

Institution:
Hochschule für Polizei und öffentliche Verwaltung Nordrhein-Westfalen

Title:
Hybrid Threats and Societal Stability: Challenges and Perspectives for Public Administration and the Police at the Municipal Level

Abstract:
Social transformation processes and geopolitical tensions are intensifying hybrid threats that combine digital, psychological, economic and political means. Particularly problematic are deepfakes – AI-generated fabrications of images, audio or video – which can be used for disinformation, manipulation or blackmail. They endanger political leaders, influence public opinion and may significantly disrupt democratic processes as well as municipal operations. As a result, pressure is increasing on local authorities to respond with preventive and crisis-oriented technical and organisational measures.
The concept of hybrid threats is primarily discussed in the context of foreign, security and defence policy and less frequently at the municipal level. In this context, such threats emerge, for example, through acts of sabotage against critical infrastructure or cyberattacks on digital security architectures, which can have serious consequences for authorities and public services. In addition, the spectrum of hybrid threats includes targeted attempts to influence members of public administration and the police through both personal contact and digital communication channels.

S. 15-24