HYBRID INFLUENCE IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS: INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

This article examines the role of hybrid influence as one of the key factors in the transformation of the contemporary international economic environment. It substantiates the need for a comprehensive consideration of strategic influence tools in the context of increasing global interdependence, the digitalisation of the economy and intensifying geo-economic competition. It examines academic approaches to interpreting the nature of hybrid influence and defines its place within the system of international economic relations. It systematises the main areas of application of hybrid mechanisms in the financial, technological, information, infrastructure, energy and institutional spheres. It has been established that the use of such instruments makes it possible to influence the economic behaviour of states, international organisations, companies and other participants in the global economy without resorting to direct military coercion. The specific features of the impact of hybrid instruments on economic security, the stability of states, the functioning of markets and economic decision-making processes have been identified. The interconnection between the structural vulnerabilities of the global economy and the opportunities for using mechanisms of indirect coercion in a context of high interdependence has been revealed. It is demonstrated that the growing role of critical infrastructure, digital platforms, global supply chains and financial networks creates additional opportunities for exerting strategic influence. The importance of developing adaptation mechanisms, enhancing economic resilience and protecting critical economic sectors is emphasised. It has been demonstrated that the growing importance of critical infrastructure, digital platforms, global supply chains and financial networks creates additional opportunities for exerting strategic influence. The importance of developing adaptation mechanisms, enhancing economic resilience, protecting critical sectors of the economy and improving international cooperation to minimise the risks associated with the spread of hybrid influence practices in today’s global environment has been emphasised.