We mapped incidents linked to disruption of three natural resources:
For each of these natural resources we recorded seven different types of social unrest:
Our researchers used an academic search engine, ProQuest, to source and extract data points based on a rigorous methodology that involves, for instance, agreed terminology and search settings.
We carefully scanned publicly available newspapers and news wires, and fed information into a database that captured specific data points. The Chaos Map displayed that data in visual form.
The Map recorded incidences of social unrest that ultimately resulted in death. We assumed the intensity of each episode is represented by the number of deaths connected to it. Therefore, a riot that resulted in one death is less ‘intense’ than a demonstration that resulted in 20 deaths according to our definition.
The Chaos Map displayed these intensity scores, giving an accessible, visual indication of ‘hotspots’ of unrest – or a picture of chaos.
Food, fuel and water aren’t the only natural resources that people depend upon, and so we’re considering extracting other data sets.
We are also exploring specific case studies to extend the commentary series, to add granularity to some of the data points already present in the Map.
If you're interested in finding out more, contact the project lead Dr Davide Natalini: [email protected].