Agents and Patterns of Security and War

The analysis of organised violence's practises 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 continuous 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 all across the world, not only in Western countries. We're interested in military AI applications and the spread of long-range precision attack weapons (such as cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions, or drones).

We also look at how kinetic and hybrid warfare, deception, and soft, smart, and sharp power strategies interact to legitimise organised violence. Finally, we examine 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, we follow the trajectories of individuals as they move in and out of armed groups, including their transition back to civilian life.