Operationalising Human Security in the Contemporary Operating Environment: Proposing Population Intelligence (POPINT)
Drawing upon primary research funded by the UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), researchers from Trilateral Research explore the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) for operationalising human security in the contemporary operating environment. The idea of human security has gained much traction in the international community since its introduction in a 1994 […]
Machine Speed Strategic Analysis – Using AI to unlock information advantage

“Machine Speed Strategic Analysis” is a constant and top-level requirement within the MoD, but what exactly does it mean? Machine speed analysis is the ability to process vast amounts of data to examine or determine their relationship or value much quicker than could be done by humans and to produce a statement of findings. The […]
Unprotected children fighting adults’ wars

As part of our work in Human Security and Human Rights we study and unpack issues such as Human Trafficking. In this guest blog, Laura Bakx provides a valuable insight on gaps within the international legal framework prohibiting the use of child soldiers and its impact on the protection of children. Despite the plethora of […]
Exploring human security by analysing news coverage

A recurring challenge for military and humanitarian planners attempting to understand and map the human security environment is how to obtain real-time, location-specific and contextualised information. Moving closer towards understanding the human security landscape from the perspective of affected populations can help ensure that human security planning and provisions are increasingly tailored to that local context. […]
“Failing to plan for the day after”: planning for civilian protection in Libya

In early 2011, Libya descended into chaos and violence. In March the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1973 authorising “all necessary measures” to protect Libyan civilians. At the end of March, NATO began military operations to implement Resolution 1973 under what became known as Operation Unified Protector (OUP). Within a matter of months, Libyan government […]
Analysing the impact of COVID-19 on gender, peace and security

In April 2020, we published a post titled ‘Why is human security important?’ to kick-off a series of blog posts for Project HAMOC exploring the importance of this concept for planning and analysis of the human environment in conflict and crisis situations. In the current blog, authors, Olivia Iannelli and Hayley Watson look at the […]
Why is human security important?

Never has the concept of human security been as important as it is today as the world responds to the global pandemic COVID-19, which broke out in Wuhan, China in December 2019. On the day of writing, 7 April 2020, the World Health Organisation has reported 1,247,244 confirmed cases, 69,213 confirmed deaths and 211 countries or […]
Operationalising human security in South Sudan – Operation Trenton

In complex conflicts and crises, the security of individuals and populations can be threatened in a myriad of ways that exacerbate wider insecurity and violence. Human security-oriented approaches are crucial for military planning in order to assist military actors, confer real protection and promote the empowerment of the local population. This does not exist merely […]
Human Trafficking as a Conflict Financing Measure
This chapter presents the current research and discourse on human trafficking as a conflict financing measure. It provides evidence for why stakeholders such as the military should pay attention to the issue of human trafficking and modern slavery in conflict; the crimes strengthen adversaries financially.
A people-centred approach to military planning: why it matters

Preparing for and responding to today’s dynamic conflicts and complex crises requires military planners to develop a strong and deep understanding of the range of threats that affect the security of people and communities – and how this insecurity exacerbates conflict and instability. This means incorporating a “people-centred” approach within military planning and analysis. But it […]