Methodology
SecurityCooperation.org is designed to be explainable. This page describes how to read the signals presented on the site, what they represent, and what they do not.
SecurityCooperation.org Pro features are designed to surface how security cooperation–related activity changes over time, not to predict outcomes.
Pro visualizations combine publicly available news reporting with official Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcements to highlight observable patterns such as escalation, event-driven attention, and sustained narratives.
These indicators are descriptive and time-based. They reflect how attention and activity evolve within a defined period and are intended to support analyst judgment, not replace it.
FAQ
What does “methodology” mean in this context?
It refers to how signals are observed and presented over time. The focus is on describing change, not forecasting events or outcomes.
What data sources are used?
Publicly available news reporting aligned with official DSCA announcements.
Is this official government data or policy guidance?
No. This site is an independent aggregation of public information and is not an official government source.
What do trend lines represent?
Relative changes in public attention over time, not intent, impact, or operational activity.
What are event markers?
Dates tied to official DSCA announcements that provide context alongside reporting trends.
Why do some countries show more activity than others?
Differences in media coverage, terminology, and public reporting volume.
What do Pattern and Momentum indicate?
Observable behavior within a defined time window. They do not predict future outcomes.
Why might volumes appear lower than expected?
Because the system prioritizes consistency and relevance over raw volume.
Are all possible data sources included?
No. Sources are selected conservatively to maintain clarity and interpretability.
Can this data be incomplete or imperfect?
Yes. Public reporting has limitations. The site is intended to support analysis, not replace judgment.
What is DSCA and why is it referenced?
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) administers U.S. security cooperation programs. Its public announcements provide a consistent reference point for event context.
Is Pro available today?
No. Pro features exist and are being validated, but are not yet generally available. Access details will be shared with free-tier users when Pro launches.
How are AI Country Briefs generated?
Country briefs use a large language model to synthesize recorded DSCA events, tracked systems, capability clusters, and policy themes into a structured Markdown document. The model receives factual inputs only and is instructed to avoid speculation, prediction, or intent attribution.
Does the AI invent facts or fill gaps?
No. Briefs are generated from data already stored in the system: DSCA event titles, dates, tracked system definitions, computed capability clusters, and matched policy themes. If a definition is missing, the brief omits it rather than inventing one.
Can I cite these briefs?
Yes, but with caveats. Each brief includes its generation date, prompt version, and source citations. Briefs are descriptive summaries of public records, not authoritative analyses. Users should verify claims against original DSCA sources.
How do I know what version produced a brief?
The prompt_version field is shown at the top of each brief (e.g., v1.5, v1.6). Version changes indicate prompt or output format updates. Older briefs remain accessible unless regenerated.