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Seabed and hybrid warfare in Europe: the strategic importance of undersea cables in the Baltic region

Written by: Nicola Barbesino

Supervised by: Victoriano Vicente Botella Berenguer 

Edited by:  Caterina Panzetti 

 

Abstract

The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine has greatly transformed the political and military landscape in Europe. Amidst a tense strategic environment, the Nordic-Baltic region has emerged as a potential point of friction between Russian and NATO allies. The undersea cables beneath the Baltic Sea, which hold a vital importance for military communications, internet, and financial traffic, are a focal point in the battlefield preparation according to the Russian hybrid war planning. This study looks at the importance of sub-sea telecommunications infrastructure in the wider Baltic region within the context of hybrid warfare.