The scale and scope of cyber operations in the lead-up to and since Russia’s February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine have been unparalleled and mark a new era of hybrid warfare in the digital age. The use of nonmilitary tactics, particularly cyber and information operations that leverage emerging technologies against military targets, civilian populations, and critical infrastructure, to achieve foreign policy and geostrategic goals present myriad and pressing challenges for the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

Recognizing the need to elevate awareness of cyber operations in armed conflict, FP Analytics, the independent research division of The FP Group, produced Digital Front Lines with support from Microsoft. In addition to deepening understanding of hybrid warfare, Digital Front Lines seeks to identify opportunities for collaboration across government, industry, and civil society to mitigate its destructive impacts.

The timely three-part, multi-component, multi-media project includes thematic issue briefs by FP Analytics that anchor expert commentary from, and interviews with, luminaries across the public and private sectors. Infographics, including data visualizations and illustrations, complement compelling analysis to provide nuanced insights that are relevant to policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and the wider public interested in international peace and security.

Taken together, Digital Front Lines underscores the need for sustained communication and coordination across the public and private sectors, including governments, multilateral institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to adapt to the changing nature of warfare and effectively respond to the risks emerging from cyber operations.