The New Tactics Tactical Map Tool

Tactical Mapping is a method of visualizing the institutions and relationships sustaining human rights abuses, and then tracking the nature and potency of tactics available to affect these systems, ultimately serving as a tool to monitor the implementation of strategy.

The process begins by understanding the relationship that a campaign seeks to change or disrupt (such as the relationship between a torturer and a victim), then diagramming the relationships in which this strategic target is embedded, using a series of symbols comparable to a flow chart or organizational diagram.

Once the diagram is complete, it is used to "map tactics," to understand which relationship(s) each tactic is expected to affect, and how. These two processes create a diagnosis of the situation in the given country, including the key relationships surrounding human rights abuses, the impact of existing tactics in use, and the intervention points that are not being addressed.

We recently revised, translated and updated some of our resources on tactical mapping. (Now available in Spanish and French) These resources will help you to put the process of tactical mapping to work on your issue and help you explore your own mapping exercise.

We also contacted human rights leader and New Tactics network member Cecil Griffiths to hear more about his experience using tactical mapping in Liberia.

[tactical mapping in Liberia]

[tactical mapping article] [en espagnol]

[training tools]

[tactical mapping workshop]

[tactical mapping presentation example]