Russia and China are increasing their hybrid warfare activities, including sabotage and subversion, ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as US president. Finland recently intercepted and seized a ship believed to be part of Russia's 'shadow fleet', while Taiwan's coastguard suspects a Chinese crew was responsible for damaging an undersea cable. Trump's unpredictability may make potential adversaries less likely to confront the US, but it also raises concerns about territorial expansion and tearing up the post-1945 rulebook. The early weeks of the Trump administration will be closely watched for signs of shifts in global dynamics.