The West needs to draw the line on Russian, Chinese grey-zone provocations

BLUF

The article’s author urges the West to set clear thresholds against China and Russia’s grey-zone tactics—coercion, sabotage, and maritime militias—warning ambiguity erodes security and demands integrated, immediate responses to protect infrastructure and sovereignty.

Learning Outcomes 

• Explain the concept of grey-zone aggression and its role in modern strategic competition.
• Analyse the implications of strategic ambiguity on Western deterrence.
• Evaluate and propose unconventional deterrence strategies for addressing grey-zone threats.