The Bottom Line Up Front

Investigating how state and non-state actors wage irregular warfare that threatens international peace and stability.

In conflict-affected states, both state and non-state actors leverage military, economic, social, and political resources to establish legitimacy and influence.  These actions threaten international security and the safety and wellbeing of local communities. However, these actors rely on the global systems of trade, finance, and communications, leaving a discoverable data trail.

C4ADS investigates and counters networks that perpetuate violence in conflict-affected states to support a broad range of global partners. We identify vulnerabilities within the licit systems of communications, transportation, and finance that these conflict actors exploit. Then, we work with law enforcement partners, UN agencies, journalists, and others to expose these vulnerabilities and build policy change, public pressure, and law enforcement actions.