Gender and Identity Analysis Framework for Hybrid Threats

This framework and aide-mémoire present a framework for integrating gender and identity analysis into the assessment of and response to hybrid threats. RUSI's project on Enhancing NATO Counter Hybrid Threats Strategies with Gender Analysis examines how adversarial actors weaponise gender and identity as part of hybrid threat strategies aimed at weakening social cohesion, trust in institutions, democratic resilience, and collective defence. The project aims to develop practical tools and policy guidance to enhance understanding and response capacity among NATO allies and partners. The Gender and Identity Analysis Framework for Hybrid Threats presents a framework for integrating gender and identity analysis into the assessment of and response to hybrid threats. The Gender and Identity Analysis Aide-Mémoire for Hybrid Threats offers a mission analysis framework for integrating gender and identity analysis into NATO's hybrid threat response, aimed towards political and military staff engaged in hybrid threat analysis, information and psychological operations, civil–military cooperation, operational planning and human security policies. Account creation is quick, free and gives access to all RUSI research and more This paper provides a practical framework for integrating gender and identity considerations into the assessment of and response to state-linked hybrid threats affecting NATO Allies and partners. It shows how hostile actors operationalise identity dynamics around gender roles, sexuality, migration, ethnicity and religion to polarise communities, erode trust and constrain decision-making across multiple domains. Rather than treating these dynamics as peripheral, the framework positions them as operational variables that shape the human terrain and can influence resilience, cohesion, host-nation support and freedom of action. The paper offers structured prompts to help analysts and planners identify patterns, connect signals across domains and design responses that disrupt the mechanisms a campaign uses to create real-world impact, rather than focusing only on individual narratives. It also recognises that the evidence base is stronger in some areas than others, and it is intended to encourage further inquiry and more consistent analysis over time. This framework is intended for NATO and national analysts, planners and policymakers working on hybrid threats, resilience, strategic communications and operational planning. By improving how gender and identity dynamics are identified and assessed, it supports more accurate situational awareness and more effective responses to hybrid campaigns targeting Allied cohesion and decision-making. Research Fellow Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies Terrorism and Conflict RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, Terrorism and Conflict