We explore the manifold ways in which the character of war has changed. Our work enhances understanding of the actors, methods, environments, and wider context of contemporary and future armed conflict by exploring the responses of states and international organisations to these factors and tackling issues surrounding their legal and moral dimensions.

We combine theoretical engagement with practice, doctrine, and strategy, and rigorous thinking on norms.  

Through strategic, in-depth thinking and identification of key trends, our research informs decision-making on pressing issues of contemporary conflict and proffers insights on the future character of war.

Soon after the terrorist attacks on the United States on ‘9/11’ in 2001, it was asserted that warfare had changed, and there was some speculation that, perhaps, ‘war’ itself had been superseded. ‘Conventional’ wars, it seemed, were a thing of the past. The future appeared to be one that would be dominated by acts of terrorism or insurgency. From its inception in 2003, the Changing Character of War research team set out to examine these claims in rigorous detail, analysing the drivers of change and the extent to which the nature of war could alter, if at all.

The consensus has been, over the years of our research, that the nature of war (that is, its essence) has not changed, despite the existence of new actors, contexts, technologies, drivers, and dynamics. CCW has identified some prevailing characteristics of war in the early twenty-first century, not least the evident impact of new technologies. But we also recognise there are a great many continuities that must not be overlooked, including the techniques of war, the dynamic nature of conflict, the attempts to limit war, and the impact of ideas…

University Events and Working Groups

The Centre runs a large number of events for the public and members of the University during term time. Please see our events page for a full listing and options to listen back to past events.

There are also currently two Working Groups running on the themes of Armed Conflict and Cyber Strategy and Information Operations. These are run by graduate students and provide excellent opportunities for graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and visiting researchers and scholars to present research and discuss ideas.