Feasibility Study: Analysing Large-Scale News Media Content for Early Warning of Conflict

A feasibility study conducted by Global Pulse with UNDP explored how data mining of large-scale online news data could complement existing tools and information for conflict analysis and early warning. Taking Tunisia as a test case, analysing news media archives from the period immediately prior to and following the January 2011 government transition, the study showed how tracking changes in tone and sentiment of news articles over time could offer insights about emerging conflicts. This study evidenced the considerable possibilities for further explorations into how mining of online digital content can be leveraged for conflict prevention.