TAG International

The internet transcends borders, and less developed regions face unique challenges in navigating cybersecurity threats. The internet was not designed as a secure system, and advanced cybersecurity technology and structures are prohibitively expensive for many developing nations, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attack by both states and criminals. The Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) is dedicated to a secure internet. By mobilising key actors and building cross-sector support, GCA works tirelessly to reach at-risk audiences, raise awareness of the dangers, and implement strategies to protect the most vulnerable.   In the latest episode in TAG:Lines podcast series, we invited Kayle Giroud, a Director at the Global Cyber Alliance, to discuss this work. The conversation delved into the history of the internet, its inherent security challenges, and what needs to be done to bolster cyber security worldwide. Tune in to the podcast here: https://lnkd.in/dTXhCGFB.   Or listen and subscribe on your favourite podcast platform: 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀: https://lnkd.in/dGxHcQCt 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀: https://lnkd.in/dveZg2fm 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆: https://lnkd.in/ddgsUdp6 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰: https://lnkd.in/dgXgV5DK 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗿: https://lnkd.in/dPzjEFzm

Looking for 𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 with international capacity building and UK military experience.⁣ Delivery at the end of Sep in West Africa.⁣ £500 day rate. All expenses and insurances included.⁣ Comment below if interested⁣  ⁣ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬:⁣ ⁣ ☑️ Understand the concepts and principles of Imagery Intelligence analysis.⁣ ☑️ Identify different types of imagery sources, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).⁣ ☑️ Receive practical lessons employing analytical techniques to extract information from images.⁣ ☑️ Interpret and evaluate imagery products to derive assessments.⁣ ☑️ Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to solve problems during imagery analysis.⁣ ☑️ Be introduced geospatial tools and software used in the analysis of imagery.⁣ ☑️ Understand integration with other intelligence disciplines to create intelligence products.⁣ ☑️ Produce intelligence assessments via written and oral presentations.⁣ Understand ethical guidelines and legal considerations of IMINT

TAG director Matilda Martin recently spoke at the Cambridge International Symposium about the influence of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) on political finance, corruption and democracy. Among other issues, Matilda discussed how in many developing countries political power remains deeply connected to personal and group wealth acquisition, and societies are deeply rooted in patronage networks which may be ‘corrupt’ in the western sense but which align with centuries old social organising principles. In these contexts, historical examples suggest that rather than seeking to establish ‘best practice’ political process it may be more useful to focus on equal economic empowerment and equitable wealth distribution, creating the enabling pressures for a locally-specific democratic culture to emerge. Likewise, building the capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption can have major repercussions for the delicate balance of power, and should be viewed not as a purely technical but an acutely political interventions. If you would like to hear more about TAG’s counter-corruption and SOC work, please get in touch.

We’re pleased to announce we are recruiting for the position of a Counter-Intelligence and Security Instructor in our National Security & Resilience Practice. If you’d like to know more or you want to apply – please visit https://lnkd.in/dHTEfhx2

TAG International has employed a significant number of ex-police officers, both within our core team and as associates deployed on projects worldwide. We have greatly benefited from their professionalism and experience. Therefore in recognition of the International Day of Police Cooperation, we proudly acknowledge the vital role of global police forces in maintaining peace and security. Building police-community trust and fostering partnerships with social support agencies are crucial in addressing crime, while international cooperation enables law enforcement agencies to share best practices.   TAG International have been helping to create more effective, capable, and coordinated security agencies that respond in a human rights-compliant and conflict-sensitive manner through our police reform and capacity building programmes. Our projects have played a key role in institutionalizing the UK’s successful Prevent approach to policing across the globe. We’ve provided training on the use of forensics and evidence gathering, we’ve also implemented Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, and ensured their ethical use. These systems, developed in the UK, significantly enhance law enforcement’s ability to identify and apprehend suspects, track serious criminals, and build robust, evidence-based cases for prosecution.   To learn more about how the Governance and Social Development Practice supports police services worldwide, please get in touch.   #PoliceCooperationDay

The 2024 International Symposium on Economic Crime brings together global experts to discuss emerging challenges and strategies in economic crime. TAG International will be participating in the 2024 Symposium with Matilda Martin, one of TAG’s Directors, sharing insights on the role and influence of serious and organised crime on political finance, corruption and democracy.   The symposium will underscore the importance of adaptive, evidence-based approaches to address evolving security and governance issues. We look forward to all the participants' valuable contributions at the event and to continuing our work in strengthening global security, justice, and governance frameworks.

The team at TAG International would like to wish Ambassador Nick Abbott every success in his new role as the British Ambassador to Albania. We’re pleased to be supporting the British Embassy in Tirana and working with the network of implementers supporting HMG goals in the region.

At TAG, we strive to pollinate lessons learned and emerging best practice across our project portfolios – both for continual improvement in each project, and to contribute to the wider body of knowledge on fragile state development. TAG Governance and Social Development (G&SD) team members Joanna Mackie and Pallu Modi recently returned from a highly productive trip to Mozambique, and are now cascading learning into other G&SD projects in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. 

Preventing illegal migration by providing opportunities at the source is effective because it addresses the root causes like poverty, unemployment, and instability. By investing in economic development, education, and governance in source countries, we create sustainable solutions that reduce the need for dangerous migration journeys. This approach not only saves costs but also fosters positive diplomatic relations and weakens criminal smuggling networks. It's a more humane and long-term strategy that promotes global stability and development.   During a recent visit to Albania, just ahead of the International Day of Youth, TAG’s Director of Governance and Social Development had the opportunity to observe the positive impact of New Perspectives—the British Embassy in Tirana's flagship project focused on addressing the push factors driving irregular migration among young people from Northern Albania to the UK.   The New Perspectives programme, in partnership with Swisscontact and TAG International, is designed to provide long-term alternative pathways for youth in Kukës, aiming to reduce irregular migration flows to the UK. The project launched at a critical time when the number of Albanians entering the UK via small boats had reached unprecedented levels, with 12,301 detected in 2022. Since its inception, the programme has supported communities by offering grants, scholarships, and education, mentoring and coaching opportunities.   TAG International are active across the globe tackling issues connected to human trafficking and irregular migration. Please get in touch for more information.

At TAG International, delivering our projects successfully across the globe often involves partnering with NGOs and other organisations that provide humanitarian assistance to some of the most vulnerable communities on the planet. On World Humanitarian Day, we recognise the dedication of humanitarian workers who operate in some of the most dangerous and challenging environments to bring relief and hope to those in desperate need. Their work is more than just service—it is a demonstration of humanity at its best.   Humanitarianism transcends borders, politics, and conflicts, representing a shared global responsibility. Yet, the cost of this commitment can be steep. In 2023, 261 aid workers lost their lives, a devastating increase from 118 in 2021. Additionally, 78 aid workers were kidnapped, highlighting the persistent dangers in volatile regions. Furthermore, 196 aid workers were wounded worldwide in 2023, often while delivering life-saving assistance.   These figures serve as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by those who choose to serve others, often at great personal risk.   #WorldHumanitarianDay