FOCUS AREAS
Defence Strategy & Policy
Military Dynamics & Cooperation
Organised Armed Groups
Transnational Security Threats
ABOUT THE CENTER
The Center for Defence and Security conducts research and analysis on emerging defence and security dynamics in the Horn of Africa, with the aim of strengthening policy and strategic decision-making among governments, practitioners, and regional stakeholders. The Centre examines issues related to regional security, conflict trends, violent extremism, geopolitics, peace and stability, and evolving transnational threats affecting the region.
Through policy briefs, analytical bulletins, book publications, workshops, seminars, consultative forums, and the annual Horn of Africa Security Dialogue, the Centre translates research into practical and policy-relevant recommendations that contribute to informed responses to contemporary security challenges in 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