This article examines the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as a strategic instrument within Russia’s hybrid warfare toolkit, analyzing its historical evolution, ideological functions, and operational role in contemporary conflicts, particularly the war against Ukraine. Drawing on hybrid warfare theory and historical evidence of state–church symbiosis, the study demonstrates how the ROC has been systematically instrumentalized to advance Russian political, security, and foreign policy objectives.
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This article examines the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as a strategic instrument within Russia’s hybrid warfare toolkit, analyzing its historical evolution, ideological functions, and operational role in contemporary conflicts, particularly the war against Ukraine. Drawing on hybrid warfare theory and historical evidence of state–church symbiosis, the study demonstrates how the ROC has been systematically instrumentalized to advance Russian political, security, and foreign policy objectives.