Blogs
At Global Risk Advice, we believe that security is not about fear, but about informed leadership, taking responsibility, and resilience. In an increasingly complex and volatile world, security challenges evolve rapidly—from travel risks to gender-based security risks, and emerging threats such as drone warfare or the changing neutrality position of NGOs.
Through this blog platform, we aim to share in-depth insights, reflections, and analyses on a wide range of security and crisis-related topics. Our goal is to support our security partners, humanitarian and development professionals, and others with a genuine interest in these subjects by offering thoughtful, experience-based perspectives that go beyond headlines and checklists.
Drawing on our work alongside organizations operating in high-risk environments, these articles reflect our mission to empower staff—local and international—by strengthening understanding, preparedness, and decision-making. We believe that a systematic and integrated approach to security management starts with knowledge sharing.
This space is intended as a resource for learning, dialogue, and professional reflection—for those who serve others, and for whom safety truly matters.
Your Security Strategy Determines Where Your People Can Go
Imagine two NGOs responding to the same humanitarian crisis. It is a scenario we see every day in every conflict area in the world. Both want to assist the same population. Both have experienced staff, appropriate funding and a clear humanitarian mandate. Yet one...
What to Do During a Kidnapping or Hostage Situation in a Hostile Environment
Working, traveling, or residing in a hostile environment involves risks that are less common in stable regions. In areas affected by political instability, armed conflict, crime, or terrorist threats, kidnappings and hostage situations pose a real danger to expats,...
Why HEAT Training Is Essential
International operations offer growing opportunities for organizations today. Companies operate globally, employees travel frequently, and projects increasingly take place in complex, challenging environments. At the same time, the security risks faced by personnel...
Practical Tips for Traveling and Working Safely in Unstable Regions
International organizations, relief workers, journalists, consultants, and corporations are increasingly working in regions characterized by political instability, social unrest, crime, or security risks. While these areas often present significant economic,...
Drone warfare and humanitarian operations. Are we keeping up?
In recent years, drones have evolved from niche (military) tools into one of the defining features of modern conflict. From Ukraine to the Middle East, unmanned aerial systems are now being used at a scale and pace few would have imagined a decade ago. Thousands of...
Protecting Employees During Overseas Missions
International missions present significant opportunities for organizations. Employees can explore new markets, execute projects in challenging environments, and strengthen global partnerships. However, foreign travel and extended overseas deployments also carry risks...
The Role of Situational Awareness in Personal Security Abroad
Traveling abroad offers valuable opportunities for business growth, international collaboration, and personal development. At the same time, every international trip carries inherent risks. From petty crime and scams to political instability, natural disasters, or...
Security Skills for Operating in Conflict Zones
Working in conflict zones presents unique challenges and intense operational risks. Journalists and NGO personnel frequently find themselves in highly unpredictable environments where physical security, information protection, and rapid decision-making are matters of...
Preparing Humanitarian Staff for High-Risk Environments
Providing aid or working in volatile environments does not exclude humanitarian organizations from the same suffering as those they want to help: they also get stuck in the mud, they also have to take cover when the shooting starts, and they share the same...
HEAT Training for Humanitarian Professionals
Humanitarian organisations increasingly operate in complex, high‑risk environments. Armed conflict, political instability, criminal violence and natural disasters often converge, creating rapidly changing risk landscapes. For humanitarian staff, security risks are no...