27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – Countering Hybrid Threats From China and Russia in the Americas
Prof. Celina Realuyo focused on the growing challenge of hybrid threats, describing today’s global environment as highly unstable and shaped by multifaceted conflicts. She explained that hybrid threats combine military, economic, diplomatic, informational, and cyber tools, often operating in the “gray zone” between peace and war. State actors such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which she referred to as an “axis of upheaval,” exploit both traditional and non state actors, including criminal and terrorist networks, to undermine democratic institutions and sovereignty.
In the Western Hemisphere, she highlighted China’s expanding diplomatic, economic, technological, and military footprint through major infrastructure investments, port projects, 5G networks, and Belt and Road financing. She warned that these projects often create long-term dependence and increase surveillance risks. She also emphasized the security dangers of Chinese involvement in critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and data collection platforms, including concerns about TikTok and cyber-enabled economic influence.
She addressed the fentanyl crisis as a form of asymmetrical and hybrid warfare, noting how Chinese precursor chemicals and money-laundering networks work with Mexican cartels to fuel drug trafficking into the United States. She described the growing “digitalization of illicit networks,” where drugs are marketed online, paid for with cryptocurrency, and distributed through traditional physical channels.
Regarding Russia, she outlined its influence in Latin America through military ties, arms sales, energy investments, and, most significantly, information warfare. She underscored Russia’s use of disinformation campaigns, bots, and cybercrime networks to sow distrust in democratic institutions and influence elections.
She concluded by calling for stronger economic engagement in Latin America, deeper public-private cybersecurity partnerships, legislative frameworks to protect digital sovereignty, and enhanced international cooperation to counter hybrid threats.
