Civil-military cooperation represents one major component of hybrid approaches of peace, security and defence, which emerged to democratise security governance and effectively counter conventional and less conventional security threats and refer to interaction, coherence and ‘strategic coordination’ between local and liberal (international) orders and practices (Richmond 2016; Mac Ginty 2011; Schroeder et al. 2014). While hybrid approaches of peace and security are playing an increasing role, e.g. in EU and NATO global strategies, hitherto, little research has analysed the impact of hybrid mechanisms. This doctoral project fills a crucial gap in the field of civil-military relations and global security governance by analysing instances of civil-military interactions and military transition in Pakistan, as well as the determinants and strategies which can influence them. The conceptual framework is informed by theories of hybrid peace and security and civil-military relations. The empirical analysis is based on 40 survey responses and 54 semi-structured interviews conducted by the author in four sample regions in Pakistan with senior representatives of the military (mainly retired), civil society, government, media and academia. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the field research from the DCU Ethics Committee. The computer applications NVivo and Stata were used for the data analysis. The research methodology employs process tracing and content analysis. Based on the results, the dissertation proposes key elements for a middle-range theory of civil-military adaptation in insecure environments in transition. The findings are relevant for international organisations and donors and inform the EU Global Strategy on Foreign Policy and Security about hybrid and comprehensive peace and security mechanisms promoting military transformation and societal resilience in fragile countries, affected by complex insecurities. The results of this PhD dissertation advance theories of hybrid security and civil-military relations.