Agents and Patterns of Security and War

bicc’s research on agents and patterns of security and war looks into the mechanisms of organised violence. Projects contributing to this topic explore how individuals and groups secure themselves, how violence is used at different levels of social organisation and the possible implications of transforming the conduct of war.

The analysis of organised violence's practices and structures is a critical component in understanding violent conflicts. The topic at hand pertains to the means by which individuals safeguard themselves against acts of violence and the mechanisms through which they engage in collective acts of violence against others.

bicc investigates practices of security-making and war-making at various levels of social organisation. We examine the various strategies vulnerable groups employ to protect themselves from external threats in their daily routines. Likewise, we critically reflect on the—often violent—practices of securitisation, which may secure some individuals but make others less secure.

Additionally, we also examine the ongoing changes in the conduct of combat to gain an understanding of their broader social, political and ethical ramifications.

The availability of novel technologies, as well as their application to warfare and mobility control, is reshaping military theory and practice across the world, not only in Western countries. We are interested in military AI applications and the spread of long-range precision-strike weapons (such as cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions or drones).

We also examine the interaction between kinetic and hybrid warfare, deception and soft, smart and sharp power strategies in legitimising organised violence. Finally, we investigate several facets of armed group organisation, both regular and irregular, and the economic factor (e.g., illicit economies).

Our research examines their incentives and motivations, everyday practices, process aspects, networks and organisational structures, social embeddedness and resource endowments and limits. In particular, our research follows the trajectories of individuals as they move in and out of armed groups, including their transition back to civilian life.