Which of the following is an example of a Gray Zone activity?

Gray Zone activities refer to actions that fall between traditional peacetime and wartime operations, where states use non-conventional methods to achieve their strategic objectives without triggering a conventional military response. Cyber operations are a quintessential example of Gray Zone activities because they can be conducted below the threshold of armed conflict, aiming to disrupt, destabilize, or influence opponents without direct military engagement.

Cyber operations, such as those attributed to Russia, often include actions like hacking, disinformation campaigns, and other forms of information warfare. These approaches leverage technology and exploit vulnerabilities, often targeting critical infrastructure, electoral processes, or public opinion to achieve political or strategic gains. Since these activities can produce significant effects and influence without overt military action, they exemplify the characteristics of Gray Zone strategies.

In contrast, military invasions and direct military confrontations are clear examples of traditional warfare and would likely elicit a direct military response. A naval blockade, while potentially ambiguous, still has a clearer military connotation and could also be seen as an act of war, thus making it less representative of Gray Zone operations.