Vicenza, 19.01.26 – The NSPCOE is proud to announce the release of its latest publication, an in-depth study titled: “A new Stability Policing paradigm for NATO – Policing, the forgotten tool against Hybrid/Irregular Warfare manoeuvres – AA.VV.”.

In an era where the lines between war and peace are increasingly blurred, this research explores the critical intersection between NATO Stability Policing (SP) and the complex landscape of Hybrid and Irregular Warfare (H/IW).

The book is now available for download, free of charge, at the following link: [HERE]

The Human-Centric Shield

As threats evolve in the “grey zones” between conflict and stability, the role of law enforcement becomes more central than ever. This new book examines how hybrid maneuvers—often orchestrated by authoritarian regimes to exploit societal vulnerabilities—specifically target the human domain. A professionalized and human-centric internal security system is therefore not just a domestic necessity, but a vital NATO capability for awareness, readiness, and resilience.

Key Highlights:

• Evidence-Based Methodology: The study is built upon an extensive literature review and exclusive interviews with 13 international experts with direct operational experience in countering hybrid actors in crisis areas.
• Mafia & Hybrid: A significant finding is the striking similarity between hybrid warfare tactics (public opinion manipulation, economic infiltration) and the modus operandi of Mafia-style organized crime. Advanced police expertise in dismantling Mafia-style organizations is identified as a highly effective tool for detecting and neutralizing hybrid threats at both tactical and strategic levels. The study explores adapting Anti-Mafia legislative frameworks as a robust model to counter hybrid threats while strictly safeguarding fundamental civil liberties.
• Bridging the “Policing Gap”: The research identifies a critical gap within the Alliance caused by the separation of collective defense intelligence and domestic security. It proposes Law Enforcement Intelligence (LEINT), channeled through Stability Policing doctrine, as the necessary bridge to integrate police potential into NATO’s response architecture.
• Community Policing as Early Warning: Due to their trust-based relationship with the civilian population (Community-Oriented Policing), police forces act as the most effective sensors for early warning and credible vehicles for counter-messaging.
  

A Call for Doctrinal Evolution

The publication challenges current perceptions, calling for a fundamental shift in how the Alliance views Stability Policing. It suggests that SP is no longer just a tool for distant stabilization but a key component of multi-domain defense below the threshold of Article 5.

“An internal security system prepared to confront the threats posed by Irregular and Hybrid Warfare constitutes a genuine capability for the entire Alliance.”

The book is now available for download, free of charge, at the following link: [HERE]