Irregular Warfare Podcast Security Hybridization: U.S., China, and the Future of Global Security Assistance
Jul 10, 2025
Sheena Chestnut Greitens, a scholar at the University of Texas focusing on authoritarian politics and security studies, and Jon Finer, former Deputy National Security Advisor, delve into the concept of "security hybridization." They discuss the simultaneous security assistance from the U.S. and China, illustrating how nations like Vietnam and Hungary navigate this dual approach. The conversation sheds light on the implications for global security partnerships and highlights the challenges the U.S. faces as it tries to compete with China's rapid support to resource-strapped countries.
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Security Hybridization Explained
- Countries often receive security assistance from both the U.S. and China because each power offers different types of security aid.
- This phenomenon is called "security hybridization" and reflects overlapping but distinct security partnerships.
Utility of U.S. Security Cooperation
- U.S. security cooperation builds partner capability and regional stability.
- It also aims to encourage democratic norms and provides leverage in crises.
New Multipolar Security Landscape
- U.S.-China security assistance today lacks the neat division of Cold War spheres.
- China emphasizes internal security while the U.S. focuses on external, high-end defense, creating overlapping influence.