Sustainability and National Security

awareness in responding to emerging stability crises,
but the fragility component also informs proactive,
shaping engagement activities.

Figure 2. Concept Mapping on Object of Reference vs.

Spectrum of Conflict

Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Over the last two decades, conflict, instability, and
fragility research communities have focused on in-
ductive or data-driven analysis of quantitative nation-
state data sets. Often using the occurrence of conflict,
risk of instability, or fragility rating as dependent
variables, these statistical approaches have typically
examined some combination of security, political, eco-
nomic, and social panel data as independent variables.
Conversely, several international and U.S. agencies
utilize or opt for more qualitative approaches which
rely on case studies, subject matter expert input, etc.,
to provide deductive or explanatory analysis. These
are based upon field assessments, literature reviews,
and professional experience. For example, the USG

StableUnstableConflict/Failed^11 Post-Conflict

Instability

Conflict

Human Security

National

International

Regional

Community

EnvironmentalSecurity

Family & Individual

Traditional National

Security

Fragility

Conflict

Instability