ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasizes the importance of identity in population as a common system of values, beliefs, and principles binding the population together as a nation. In this chapter, we elaborate on hybrid threat instruments serving to undermine such values. A comparative study of Croatia and Ukraine is presented. Since the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the establishment of pro-Russian quasi-states in Southeastern Ukraine in the spring of 2014, the question has arisen as to how similar these events are to the process of independence of Croatia, accompanied by large-scale hostilities and the existence of a pro-Serb quasi-state in Croatia. The purpose is to explore how hybrid threats undermine political stability and social cohesion in the two states. The analysis shows numerous similarities on how hybrid threats increase political and social fragility. A key difference between Croatia anno 1990 and Ukraine 2014 is nevertheless the use of new communication channels. The chapter shows of this development in the tools of hybrid threat can be very dangerous to political stability.
