> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/acled.md). # ACLED ## URL (as of 2026-06-18) ## Description ACLED provides near-real-time data and analysis on political violence and protest events worldwide. Its current data platforms include the [ACLED Explorer](https://acleddata.com/platform/explorer), [Trendfinder](https://acleddata.com/platform/trendfinder), [Conflict Alert System (CAST)](https://acleddata.com/platform/cast-conflict-alert-system), and a [Conflict Exposure Calculator](https://acleddata.com/platform/conflict-exposure-calculator), allowing users to track, analyze, and forecast conflict dynamics. Most data downloads and advanced platform features require a free myACLED account, and access depth depends on the user’s assigned myACLED level. Users can filter and export subsets of ACLED data, use dashboards for country and subnational analysis, and consult ACLED analysis reports. Coverage dates vary by country and region, so check ACLED’s country/time-period coverage page before assuming that a location has data back to 1997. * **Timely Data:** A detailed dataset on the dates, locations, actors, and fatalities of political violence and protests, updated weekly. * [**Analysis reports**](https://acleddata.com/analysis/): Written reports by ACLED analysts and researchers based on ACLED data. * **Analysis Tools:** Interactive dashboards, trend reports, and maps visualizing conflict data over time and across regions. * **Country Profiles:** In-depth reports on specific countries, analyzing conflict dynamics and historical context. * **Data Export:** Downloadable datasets in various formats for custom analysis. {% hint style="info" %} Some functions or Dashboards within ACLED (such as CAST) might not work with an Ad- or tracking-blocker or on browsers with very strict security settings. The author's research doesn't indicate that this is of high concern, but you're responsible for your own digital footprint. You can download monthly reports for most of the tools, or use a VM to connect to ACLED if you want to avoid switching off these tools on your computer. {% endhint %} ## **Features** ### **Data** * [**Data export tool**](https://acleddata.com/data-export-tool/)**:** Weekly updated conflict and protest data, as well as[ curated datasets.](https://acleddata.com/curated-data-files/) * [**ACLED Explorer**](https://acleddata.com/explorer/): Filters and summarizes data from the past year, with country profiles at subnational level and trend views for events, fatalities, and civilians exposed to violence. Use the Data Export Tool, downloadable data files, or API for broader historical exports. * [ACLED Trends](https://acleddata.com/platform/trends): Forward-looking conflict intelligence platform for anticipating where violence, unrest, and instability are most likely to escalate. It requires users to register or log in to myACLED, and the older Trendfinder URLs now redirect to the current Trends platform. * [**CAST (Conflict Alert System)**](https://acleddata.com/conflict-alert-system/): Provides forecasts for political violence up to six months ahead. * **Conflict Exposure Calculator**: Assesses population exposure to conflict within specified areas and timeframes. * [**Conflict Index**](https://acleddata.com/conflict-index/): Severity ranking that [combines four indicators](https://acleddata.com/conflict-index/about/) (fatalities, events, locations, and actors) to rank global conflicts. * [**Spotlight areas:**](https://acleddata.com/global-analysis/spotlight-areas) Includes current ACLED monitor pages for Ukraine, Gaza, Iran war updates, the Middle East, Mozambique, the South China Sea, the United States, and Yemen; some pages or downloads may be restricted by myACLED access level. ### **Analysis - Tools** {% hint style="info" %} The following part of the text contains detailed function information in collapsible containers for convenience. {% endhint %} #### ***ACLED Explorer*** The [ACLED Explorer](https://acleddata.com/platform/explorer/) filters and summarizes ACLED data from the past year. For longer historical exports, use the Data Export Tool, downloadable regional or curated data files, or the API, and check ACLED’s country/time-period coverage page because start dates vary across locations.
#### ***ACLED Trends*** ACLED Trendfinder provides interactive tools for tracking global political violence and demonstrations. It enables the identification of significant changes, historical context, and early warning signs of conflict emergence across countries and regions.
Trends Functions * **Annual Trend graph**: a bar chart and line graph with a time range slider. * **Compare**: compare events to the previous month or year. * **Dark theme toggle** * **Data download:** download data in `.xlsx` format. * **Filter by Event / Sub event Types**: filter events e.g., Battles, Protests, Riots, etc. * **Individual event details**: when viewing subnational results, these are viewable on the map and include event and sub-event type and actors involved, * **Map view:** see events plotted on a map. * **Table view**: see a table of events by country or subnational area. * **Reset button** * **Select country**: filter by a specific country. * **Table View - Event Count and Change Statistics**: filterable by country, Provinces or District, Events in the current Week, Yearly Average, and Percentage Change. * **Zoom tool:** zoom in and out on the map.
#### ***ACLED Conflict Alert System (CAST)*** The [ACLED Conflict Alert System (CAST)](https://acleddata.com/platform/cast-conflict-alert-system) forecasts the number of political violence events expected in each of the next six rolling four-week periods in every country. CAST requires users to register or log in to myACLED.
Forecasts function overview * **Map view:** see forecast trends of decreases/increases from the average plotted on a map. * **Zoom tool:** zoom in and out on the map. * **Table view of Forecasted Events**: filterable by country, number of events, forecast average, and predicted change. * **Filter by country**: filter by country. * **Filter by outcome:** filter by what event types are expected. * **Filter by comparing the forecast** to the previous time period from one month to 12 months. * **Filter by selected forecast date:** up to six months in the future. * **Forecast trends graph view**: a line graph with a time range slider showing historical and forecasted events. * **What's driving the forecast**: a bar chart visualization of events behind the forecasts.
Accuracy metrics in the CAST system enable users to assess the accuracy of the forecast compared to the last six months.
Accuracy metrics overview * **Zoom tool:** zoom in and out on the map. * **Map view:** mean percentage error plotted on a map (toggle between percentage error and error). * **Filter by time period:** from six months or a specific month. * **Filter by country**: filter by country. * **Filter by outcome:** filter by what event types are expected. * **Table view of Forecasted Events**: Country, Observed Events, Forecast, Error, and Percentage Error (filterable by country).
CAST pages may include restricted monthly results and report links when available. Check the CAST platform page while logged in, because some CAST files and reports are access-controlled. #### ***Conflict Exposure Calculator*** [Estimates](https://acleddata.com/platform/conflict-exposure-calculator) civilian exposure to conflict by combining ACLED event data with WorldPop population estimates and proximity buffers. ACLED notes that WorldPop estimates are not updated with migration, refugee, or internally displaced person flows, so treat exposure outputs as estimates rather than exact population counts.d.
Conflict exposure calucator functions * **Data download:**: download data in `.xlsx` format * **Level of aggregation**: Country, Global, Provinces, or District Level Location. * **Filter** by event or actor type and Actors. * **Filter by country:** filter by country or countries. * **Filter by date range.** * **Table View:** Country, distance, best, percentage of the country population, and total events.
#### ***Weekly Conflict Index*** The Weekly Conflict Index provides a singular measure of conflict intensity in every country in the world. Example below: May 2024.
#### **Special Projects** **Focused Conflict Monitoring**: ACLED’s current Spotlight Areas include the Ukraine Conflict Monitor, Gaza Conflict Monitor, Iran war updates, Middle East Conflict Monitor, Mozambique Conflict Monitor, South China Sea Monitor, US Monitor, and Yemen Conflict Monitor. {% hint style="info" %} Not every focused conflict monitor is available for every registered user. {% endhint %}
## Cost * [ ] Free * [x] Partially Free * [ ] Paid ACLED is partially free. Open myACLED access is available after registration and includes aggregated real-time data plus access to Explorer, CAST, the Conflict Index, Ukraine Conflict Monitor, monthly regional updates, public analysis, webinars, the Knowledge Base, and the Conflict Exposure Calculator. Research, Partner, and Enterprise levels provide broader access, including API access, lagged or disaggregated event data, selected monitors, and licensing or support options; access levels are assigned by organization, and generic public email addresses receive public access by default. ## Level of difficulty
2
Medium – interactive dashboards and API require some technical skill. ## Requirements * **Web -** any modern web browser. * **API** - access requires a myACLED account. API requests now use login-based authentication: cookie-based authentication for browser or tool access, or OAuth token-based authentication for programmatic access. * Access level: myACLED permissions depend on the organization associated with your email domain. Generic public email addresses receive public Open myACLED access by default, while broader Research, Partner, or Enterprise access is evaluated or licensed by ACLED. ## Limitations The ACLED dataset and tools come with several limitations that researchers should be aware of before deciding to utilize them in their projects: * **Coverage:** ACLED covers all countries and territories, but coverage start dates vary by country and region, and data quality can be affected by the availability and reliability of sources in hard-to-access areas. * **Data Updates**: ACLED is a living dataset. Weekly updates can add new events, revise existing records, or remove or merge events, so local copies can drift unless you refresh by timestamp and account for deleted event IDs. * **Resolution and Granularity**: The level of detail and granularity of data can vary by location and event, potentially impacting analyses that require uniform detail across datasets. * **Access Restrictions**: Some detailed data or analysis tools may be available only to users with specific access levels, limiting the scope of research for those with basic access. * **API limits:** ACLED API responses default to 5,000 rows. For larger queries, use filters, request only the fields you need, and paginate requests to avoid missing rows or hitting timeout errors. Formatting to apply manually in GitBook: * **Dependence on Open Sources**: The quality and reliability of ACLED data is dependent on the availability and veracity of open sources. In regions where the media is restricted or unreliable, this could impact the accuracy of the dataset. * ***Conflict Alert System (CAST):*** As a future forecasting system, it comes with caveats regarding accuracy. To understand more, see the methodology [here](https://acleddata.com/acleddatanew/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2023/07/ACLED-CAST-Methodology-%E2%80%93-July-2023.pdf). CAST forecasts are indicative and should not be treated as certainties. Researchers should consider these limitations alongside their research goals and methodologies to determine whether ACLED's tools and datasets suit their needs. ## Ethical Considerations When using ACLED's tools and datasets, researchers must navigate several ethical considerations to ensure responsible utilization and dissemination of sensitive information. Users are advised to consult ACLED's [Terms of Use](https://acleddata.com/terms-of-use/) for detailed guidelines. * **Data Misinterpretation**: There is a risk that data could be misinterpreted or taken out of context, potentially leading to harmful conclusions or actions. Researchers must strive for accuracy and clarity in their analyses. * **Bias and Representation**: It's essential to acknowledge biases in data collection and reporting processes and understand how they may affect the representation of certain groups or incidents. * **Ethical Use and Attribution**: Users of ACLED data should use the data ethically, including proper attribution and acknowledgment of ACLED as the data source, and should not use the data for purposes that could incite violence or conflict. Users must follow ACLED’s End User License Agreement, content‑usage terms, and attribution policy when reusing the data. Researchers and users of ACLED data should apply data minimization, avoid overstating estimates or forecasts, follow ACLED’s terms, content-usage rules, and attribution policy, and consider whether publishing granular conflict data could increase risks for communities or sources. ## Guides and articles To effectively use ACLED, especially for beginners or those looking to refine their skills, the following resources are highly recommended: #### **Official Wiki** ACLED maintains a [Knowledge Base](https://acleddata.com/conflict-data/knowledge-base) with methodology guidance, use and access guides, FAQs, an update log, and API documentation. **Tutorials and Articles** * The current [ACLED API documentation](https://acleddata.com/api-documentation/getting-started) explains myACLED authentication, endpoints, response formats, query filters, pagination, and examples for browser, R, and Python workflows. Formatting to apply manually in GitBook: * [**Keeping ACLED Data Updated**](https://acleddata.com/knowledge-base/keeping-acled-data-updated/) – A brief FAQ outlining ACLED’s “living dataset” policy: new events are added and historical records may be revised during the weekly Monday–Tuesday release cycle. It lists the kinds of changes users should expect (additions, substitutions, deletions) and reminds analysts to refresh local copies regularly to avoid version drift. #### Use Cases: * *Eclipse Mania, Coastal Earthquakes, Bridge Collapse, and Breaking the Ramadan Fast*. Available at: (Accessed: 15 May 2024). * Ruser, N. (2018). *How to Scrape Interactive Geospatial Data*, *bellingcat*. Available at: (Accessed: 15 May 2024). * ‘Mapping the Unknown: Using ACLED Data and GIS to Understand Conflict Zones’, *Medium*, 20 October. Available at: (Accessed: 15 May 2024). * For more recent use cases, consider exploring ACLED's Analysis section, which features up-to-date reports and insights. #### Video: * *Accessing ACLED Data* (2023). Available at: (Accessed: 15 May 2024). * *The ACLED Conflict Alert System (CAST)* (2024). Available at: (Accessed: 15 May 2024). Voukenas, A. (2023) * For the latest tutorials, visit ACLED's [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@ACLEDinfo), which hosts current content on data access and tools. #### Developer Resources * **Community and Support** * [https://acleddata.com/knowledge-base/](https://acleddata.com/conflict-data/knowledge-base) * ## Tool provider The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) - ACLED is an independent non‑profit organisation incorporated in Wisconsin, United States ACLED was created by [Clionadh Raleigh](https://acleddata.com/prof-clionadh-raleigh/), while she was writing her PhD in 2005. Since 2014, ACLED has operated as a non-profit, non-governmental organization in the United States. Raleigh is ACLED’s President and CEO and is also Professor of Political Violence and Geography at the University of Sussex. ## Advertising Trackers * [ ] This tool has not been checked for advertising trackers yet. * [x] This tool uses [tracking cookies](https://acleddata.com/opt-out-preferences/). Use with caution. * [ ] This tool does not appear to use tracking cookies. Checked against ACLED’s Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy on 2026-06-18.\ ACLED states that it and its analytics vendors use server logs and automated collection tools such as browser cookies, pixel tags, scripts, and web beacons, including Google Analytics and third-party cookies. Use a separate research browser profile, VM, or other OPSEC separation if this matters for your threat model. | Page maintainer | | --------------- | | Martin Sona | | | --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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