ABOUT THE CENTER
The Centre for Defence and Security at HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies focuses on advancing strategic thinking on defence and security across the Horn of Africa. It conducts multidisciplinary analysis of defence and security challenges and opportunities in the region, contributing to stronger security frameworks through high-quality research and policy-relevant recommendations. Its outputs include bulletins, policy briefs, and books, alongside workshops, seminars, conferences, roundtable discussions, and consultative forums. The Centre also serves as a platform for in-house expertise, bringing together scholars and practitioners working on defence and security issues in the region.
The rapid proliferation of drone warfare across the Horn of Africa has fundamentally altered the character of armed conflict in the region. The Centre has directly engaged this shift — publishing analytical work on how unmanned aerial vehicles are redefining conflicts in the Horn of Africa and what this means for state defence architectures. This cutting-edge analysis, complemented by the Institute’s Defence and Security Program and the annual Horn of Africa Security Dialogue, exemplifies how the Horn Institute translates real-time security developments into actionable policy insights for governments and security practitioners across the region
STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The Horn of Africa is currently experiencing rapid militarization, characterized by the proliferation of foreign military bases (particularly along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden), the deployment of advanced kinetic technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and complex proxy engagements. In this volatile theater, state security architectures require robust, predictive intelligence to maintain sovereignty and regional equilibrium.
Expanded Research Domains
Geopolitics of the Red Sea Arena
Analyzing the militarization of maritime chokepoints (Bab-el-Mandeb) and the strategic posturing of global and Middle Eastern powers.
Modernization of Defence Architectures
Evaluating the shift from conventional warfare to hybrid conflict, including the integration of drone warfare and cyber-kinetic operations
Private Military Contractors (PMCs)
Assessing the growing footprint and legal/sovereign implications of mercenary and state-backed private armed groups in regional conflicts.
Early Warning and Predictive Analytics
Developing data-driven frameworks to anticipate conflict escalation, mutinies, and border skirmishes
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH & POLICY IMPACT
The Center publishes research through bulletins, policy briefs, and books; and holds workshops, seminars, conferences, roundtable discussions, and consultative meetings. Through the Prevention of Terrorism Program and the INFORM Initiative, the Center delivers direct community-level prevention interventions and strategic communications support to governments and civil society across the Horn
FEATURED ANALYSIS
PUBLICATIONS FROM THIS CENTER
Authors: Mustafa Y. Ali, Ph.D.
The Globalization of Terrorism: From Sicariis, Assassins to ISIS