NRC Wereldzaken NRC Wereldzaken

Welke mindgames speelt Poetin met hybride aanvallen op Europa?

Oct 7, 2026 · 48m

Summary

NRC Wereldzaken explores hybrid warfare with data journalist Wouter van Loon and foreign editor Simone Peek, analyzing 170 Russian intelligence operations in Europe. They discuss recent incidents like drone attacks and sabotage, noting a shift toward recruiting refugees to execute covert actions. The episode examines how Russia uses ambiguity and fear to destabilize NATO unity, while also touching on Trump’s G20 hosting and a preserved piece of DDR bread as a symbol of Ostalgie.

Topics discussed

Sponsors and introduction to the Geopolitical Podcast Defining hybrid war and introducing guests Trump's G20 presidency and corruption concerns The 36-year-old DDR bread museum exhibit Defining hybrid war and recent European incidents Is Europe at war? The escalation ladder Critique of the term 'hybrid' vs. sabotage Components of hybrid warfare: military to cyber Data analysis of 169 Russian activities in Europe Tactical shifts: from insiders to local operatives Attribution challenges and plausible deniability Russian goals: testing NATO unity and cohesion Psychological warfare and domestic Russian narratives Journalist experience: fear and disinformation in Poland Economic impact of air alarms and panic in cities Media role in amplifying drone sighting panic Understanding threat scenarios vs. actual predictions Preparedness for future escalation and countermeasures Closing remarks and credits Promotion of other NRC podcasts and sponsors
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