Searching For A Holistic Response To Hybrid Threats: The Case Of Hdts In Military Intelligence

Western democracies today face structural vulnerabilities driven by the widening gap between technological advancement and regulatory capacity, as well as the asymmetry between Westernization and democratization. This imbalance expands the attack surface for hostile actors, blurring the lines between war and politics, civilian and military domains, and physical and digital spaces. Military intelligence is at the core of this transformation, where the distinction between observation and intervention is increasingly blurred. In this context, Human Digital Twins (HDTs) emerge as a groundbreaking technology capable of integrating biometric, behavioral, and cognitive data to model strategic scenarios with unprecedented precision. Already employed in critical fields such as national security and crisis management, HDTs offer new predictive and proactive capabilities, shifting intelligence from a defensive tool to a strategic intervention mechanism. The integration of quantum mechanics principles into HDT models could revolutionize strategic analysis, surpassing deterministic paradigms and enabling adaptive management of geopolitical complexity. However, their deployment raises critical ethical and political concerns: the ability to shape and influence reality necessitates a rigorous reflection on transparency, accountability, and fundamental rights. This chapter explores the potential of HDTs in intelligence, analyzing the epistemological and operational implications of a new decision-making paradigm. Between opportunities and risks, the balance between innovation and governance will determine the role of this technology in strengthening democratic resilience and global security.