This study, led by the Humanitarian Policy Group at ODI, reviews recent trends in military engagement in humanitarian crises. It assesses the drivers behind military involvement in natural and conflict related disasters, the opportunities and threats this presents for the humanitarian community, and issues that those in military community should be considering when developing their policy and operational approaches to engaging with the civilian assistance community. 
Research covers four areas in particular:

• Trends in military intervention in response to humanitarian crises;
• The increased mainstreaming of civil-military operations, as well as coordination and security issues arising from civil-military engagement;
• Military roles and capacities in civilian protection; and,
• The growing involvement of private military firms in humanitarian action