How do societies respond when disruption becomes the new normal? - On hybrid threats, resilience, and protecting trust

What happens when conflict no longer looks like war? In this episode of Matters of Consequence, Michael Hanf speaks with Sönke Marahrens, Senior Non-Residential Fellow at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University (ISPK), about hybrid threats, disinformation, cybersecurity, and why modern conflict increasingly targets trust rather than territory.Hybrid threats rarely announce themselves. Instead, they emerge through disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, legal pressure, economic coercion, and the gradual erosion of trust in institutions. Drawing on decades of experience in military service, security policy, and strategic foresight, Sönke explains how these threats exploit existing divisions within societies and why organizations, governments, and business leaders can no longer treat security as someone else's responsibility.Together, Michael and Sönke explore what resilience really means in a world where disruption has become constant. They discuss the importance of preparedness, the changing relationship between public institutions and private organizations, and why responding to hybrid threats requires more than technology. It requires critical thinking, societal resilience, and leaders who are able to act before a crisis becomes obvious.Why listen?Understand what hybrid threats are and why they increasingly shape today's geopolitical and business environment.Learn how disinformation, cyberattacks, and economic pressure influence organizations and democratic societies.Discover why resilience is becoming a leadership capability rather than only a security concern.Explore how businesses, governments, and civil society each contribute to preparedness in an increasingly uncertain world.Gain practical insights into recognizing emerging risks before they develop into larger crises.Whether you are a business leader, policymaker, cybersecurity professional, public sector leader, or simply interested in geopolitics and the future of democratic societies, this conversation offers a practical introduction to hybrid threats and the decisions required to strengthen resilience. Sönke's perspective reminds us that many of the most important challenges of our time develop gradually, long before they become visible to everyone.Keywords: hybrid threats, hybrid warfare, hybrid conflict, disinformation, misinformation, cybersecurity, cyber security, cyberattacks, resilience, organizational resilience, societal resilience, democratic resilience, leadership, risk management, crisis preparedness, strategic foresight, geopolitical risk, security policy, NATO, European security, critical infrastructure, information warfare, digital security, Sönke Marahrens, ISPK, Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University, Matters of Consequence podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.