As North Africa struggles to deal with protests, violence and changes of government, the rest of the world looks for answers as to how and why the chaotic situation in the region has developed so quickly.

With the launch of a new database and web site tool following previously untracked types of social conflict in Africa, the Strauss Center’s program on Climate Change and African Political Stability (CCAPS) enables researchers and policymakers to get closer to the answers.

The Social Conflict in Africa Database (SCAD) provides information on over 6,300 social conflict events across Africa, including strikes, riots, protests, coups and communal violence from 1990 to 2009.