Revising the SCA: toward a joint framework for conflict analysis

Strategic Conflict Assessments have become a staple of UK government engagement in conflict affected and fragile states over the last decade. The guidance for conducting SCAs is, however, somewhat dated and was not intended to serve as a cross-government analytical tool. A revised and updated analytical tool is therefore required; one that builds on the strengths of the existing guidance; that draws on contemporary understandings of conflict and fragility; and that responds to new organisational imperatives. While there is evidence of an emerging consensus around the basic requirements of a new analytical tool, elements of revision remain contested. The present review seeks to chart a course through competing opinions and interests in order to propose overarching principles which can guide the drafting of a revised analytical framework.