The objective of the programme is to improve effectiveness of HMG investments in fragile and conflict affected situations (FCAS), by providing real-time data, expertise and public good research to inform DFID and Whitehall policy and operations including through the Whitehall Conflict Security and Stability Fund (CSSF) and DFID programmes. The programme is broken into two separate contracts: Lot 1 (X-border conflict dynamics/response), and Lot 2 (Violent and peaceful behaviour). This contract is Lot 1 which is broken into the following two parts: Part A: X-border conflict ""hubs"" and x-border ""spokes."" Research will examine networks operating between major conflicts including Afghanistan, through Iran to the Middle East, through the Levant, North Africa and the Gulf to East Africa. Research will include techology based methods (e.g. satellite and aeiral imager, financial data, geo-tracking, communications and/or social media) complemented by quantitative and qualitative field work. Part B: Innovating conflict responses in an era of x-border conflict. Research will collect and collate empirical evidence on international conflict response systems, including multi-lateral and bilateral efforts focussed on peace support or stability and how they can innovate to meet the challenges of x-border conflict.