Networks and network analysis for defence and security

Abstract

Shocks to regional, national and global systems stemming from natural hazards, acts of armed violence, terrorism and serious and organized crime have significant defence and security implications. Today, nations face an uncertain and complex security landscape in which threats impact/target the physical, social, economic and cyber domains. For example, acts of terrorism and organized crime are considered one of the greatest threats to national security. In the UK alone, the social and economic costs associated with organized crime are estimated between £20 and £40 billion per year (NCA, 2011:4). Threats to national security, such as that against critical infrastructures not only stem from man-made acts but also from natural hazards. Katrina (2005), Fukushima (2011) and Hurricane Sandy (2012) are examples that highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructures to natural hazards and the crippling effect they have on the social and economic wellbeing of a community and a nation. With this dynamic and complex threat landscape, network analysis has emerged as a key enabler in supporting defence and security. With the advent of `big data' and increasing processing power, network analysis can reveal insights with regards to structural and dynamic properties thereby facilitating greater understanding of complex networks, their entities, interdependencies and vulnerabilities. This poster paper introduces relevant theoretical frameworks and applications of network analysis in support of the defence and security domain. This paper reflects the body of contributions by leading researchers to an upcoming book entitled: Networks and Network Analysis for Defence and Security, Springer Publishing.