21 October, 2026

New Paper on Counter-improvised Explosive Device Responses for Contemporary Threat Environments

Since the early 2000s, counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) doctrine has been organized around three complementary functions: ‘Defeat the device, prepare the force, and attack the network’. These remain central to C-IED measures today. However, experience over the past two decades has highlighted the importance of looking beyond individual devices and attacks to understand the wider conditions in which IED threats emerge, persist, and evolve.

Effective C-IED responses require more than technical and operational capabilities. They also depend on a comprehensive understanding of the threat, coherent national policies and institutional arrangements, effective inter-agency and regional cooperation, and attention to the risks and harm experienced by affected populations.

Beyond the Device: Rethinking C-IED for Contemporary Threat Environments—a new Situation Update from the Small Arms Survey—draws on the Survey’s research, national assessments, and capacity support experience to examine how states and international partners can develop threat-informed, context specific, and adaptable C-IED responses. It also explores how C-IED responses can connect appropriately with wider efforts to reduce IED-related risks and harm, while respecting distinct mandates and principles.

Read: Beyond the Device: Rethinking C-IED for Contemporary Threat Environments

For more, check out:

Small Arms Survey C-IED Online Strategic Briefing Series (March–June 2026)—a webinar series that aims to foster forward-looking dialogue on how evolving practices and lessons learned can be translated into more effective, sustainable, and policy-relevant responses to the IED threat
From Fragmented Responses to Integrated Approaches: C-IED and the HDP Nexus (May 2026)—a blog post that examines how the Nexus can help structure responses from humanitarian, development, and peace practitioners already engaged in addressing IED threats, while preserving distinct mandates and principles
More than Might: How Inclusive and Accountable Strategies Can Transform C-IED Responses (December 2025)—a blog post that discusses approaches to the IED threats and that, without tackling the deeper causes of the issue, their devastating ramifications will persist
Regulating Explosive Precursor Chemicals (October 2025)—a podcast episode that discusses how effective EPC regulation requires constant vigilance, periodic review and when necessary, updating of threat lists, persistent clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration
Improving Point of Injury Trauma Care for IED Victims (November 2024)—a Briefing Paper that examines the challenges facing the inclusion of emergency care as a priority within victim assistance and C-IED strategies, and presents the need for a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach
IED-related outputs in our Resource Library

Other news from the Survey: