We address the changing character of war by analysing both the continuities and fresh permutations of war.
Our research themes have been strongly influenced by armed conflicts that continue to shape events in the Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Africa. The seminar series has drawn attention to other thematic aspects of the Centre’s interests in war’s changing character, from pseudo-state actors like Islamic State to nuclear armed aggressors like Russia, from automated technologies to hybrid warfare, and from the tactical experience of war and the fortunes of conflict resolution.
Central to our research method is an interdisciplinary approach which employs the differing perspectives and expertise of a variety of disciplines: history, political science, international relations, philosophy, law, anthropology, development studies, economics, statistics, and computer science.
Current Research Activity & PRIORITIES
Over the next four years, CCW will conduct research, AS:
Support to specialists in UK, US, Australian, and NATO defence on a variety of themes in the form of workshops or bespoke advisory work (such as applied new technological developments, cross-domain and future operations, and command).
Strategic Education for senior officers of the UK Defence Academy, Strategic Command, and NATO commands, with diverse themes (from strategic decision making to tactical autonomous systems, exploring the full range of DIME options).
North Atlantic and Trans-Atlantic Defence symposia with the Ax:son Johnson Foundation (Sweden) and the Norwegian MOD.
Lectures on the Changing Character of War for the NATO Defence College, the Norwegian Defence University and Staff College, Netherlands Defence Academy, UK Defence Academy, Royal College of Defence Studies, US Army War College, US Navy War College, and the Ecoles Militaires in France.
Weekly seminar series on the Changing Character of War, on New Technologies, New Warfare themes, and research support workshops.
An Annual Lecture, open to all members of the university on a subject of importance in armed conflict.
A Strategic Leaders and Educators Courses on the changing character of war and its policy implications.
