Off the Record, On the Ground: How Do De Facto Information Exchanges Shape Civil-Military Coordination?

In high-pressure, securitized crisis scenarios, coordination is pivotal. However, not everything goes by the book; during emergencies, decisions are often driven by unofficial, spontaneous communication channels through which information flows. These interactions, dependent on trust, urgency, and necessity, can adapt quickly, enable faster data exchange, and speed up crisis responses by overriding formal hierarchies. However, they also create a fertile ground for blind spots, silos, and fragmentation that can challenge crisis responses. We hence ask: “How do de facto information exchanges as well as inter- and intra-group dynamics shape civil-military coordination?” A combination of social network analysis with semi-structured interviews helps map communication flows and identify drivers behind informal exchanges. Through this mixed-method approach, we will uncover how informal communication drives (or hinders) civil-military coordination. Thus, this research helps refine training, scenario exercises, and provides insights that enhance civil-military cooperation in simulations and future crises.