Instruments of Hybrid Warfare in Iran-Russian Cooperation: Implications for Georgia

Abstract

The modern global security architecture in the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The order established after the Cold War is being actively confronted by the growing alliance between Iran and the Russian Federation. With its crucial geostrategic and transit location, the South Caucasus has become one of the main epicenters of this global confrontation. Against the backdrop of Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, which disrupted the traditional balance of power, Moscow is forced to deepen its strategic coordination with Tehran to maintain its regional positions. This article deeply explores the strategy of the Russia-Iran partnership and the specifics of the hybrid warfare instruments they employ in Georgia and the South Caucasus as a whole. The research relies on the latest approaches to regional security and analyzes asymmetric tactics, such as: cyber sabotage, psychological and information operations, ideological infiltration (soft power), and economic coercion used by the authoritarian tandem of Russia and Iran. Based on this research, it was revealed that the threats directed against Georgia's democratic institutions and Euro-Atlantic aspirations no longer solely encompass the Kremlin's hard power and occupation. Added to all this is Iran's progressively growing religious, economic, and intelligence penetration, which is in full alignment with the Kremlin's aspirations to completely neutralize Western influence in the region. Additionally, the presented report discusses the threats associated with geopolitical projects such as the "3+3" format and the risks of Georgia's potential use in sanctions evasion schemes.