General Carmine Masiello warns of hybrid warfare threats

General Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, has highlighted the growing threat of hybrid warfare, noting that modern conflicts target democratic processes and individual decision-making rather than just physical infrastructure.

Masiello explains that while sabotage of undersea cables and satellite disruptions are significant, the primary objective of hybrid strategies is to undermine national cohesion. This is achieved through election interference and the manipulation of information via disinformation campaigns.

The General identifies the smartphone as a primary vector for these attacks, noting that modern disinformation aims to trigger emotional responses like anger and fear to alter public perception. He emphasizes the need for cognitive self-defense, urging citizens to pause, study, and verify information to protect democratic sovereignty.