Skye Cooley, Ph.D., Resident Fellow, delivered a keynote address on Russian gray zone warfare at the Institute for American Universities' American College of the Mediterranean (IAU-ACM) speaker series. The presentation examined the evolution of Russian strategic thought and information operations, tracing how concepts from Soviet-era reflexive control theory have been adapted to contemporary digital environments. Cooley analyzed the integration of information warfare into broader strategic frameworks, exploring how state actors employ coordinated campaigns across multiple domains to achieve political objectives while remaining below the threshold of conventional military conflict.

The address provided attendees with insights into the theoretical foundations and practical applications of gray zone tactics in modern geopolitical contexts. Cooley discussed how information operations function as tools of statecraft, examining the interplay between narrative construction, media manipulation, and strategic communication in shaping public discourse and policy debates. The presentation drew on research from the MESA group's ongoing work analyzing strategic communication patterns and their implications for international security. The keynote offered valuable perspectives for students and faculty interested in understanding the complexities of contemporary information environments and the challenges they pose for democratic societies and international stability.