Oxford Research Group

Chances for Peace in the Third Decade

This is the final briefing in a series that began in 2003. The briefing looks back to a 2012 briefing, which assessed the state of global security in the first decade of the twenty-first century. It then looks forward to the decade ahead by taking into consideration the key events and trends from the past ten years. Read more
Marib: A Yemeni Government Stronghold Increasingly Vulnerable to Houthi Advances

This paper adds color to the monochromatic narrative that has developed around Marib in recent decades by highlighting its rich history, complex social fabric nd important role in the national economy. Read more
Shabwa: Progress Despite Turmoil in a Governorate of Competing Identities

This paper provides an overview of the political and tribal dynamics that resulted in Shabwa’s marginalization in recent decades. Read more
PS21 Event Podcast: What Does “Security” Mean in 2020?

As Covid-19 reshapes the world and Britain begins its Integrated Defence and Security Review, what does the word “security” really mean in 2020 Read more

Breaking the cycle of violence

ORG promotes international policy-making that is inclusive, accountable, sustainable and effective.
We work to transform thinking about security, helping to break out of the cycle of conflict and violence.

Forging a New Path: Prioritising the Protection of Civilians in the UK’s Response to Conflict

This report examines the serious challenges remote warfare poses to the protection of civilians in modern conflict and outlines how these issues can be resolved.

A Call for Dialogue: The Dangers of Polarisation in the Special Forces Debate

Drawing upon extensive research, this piece calls for a healthier level of debate on the issue of UK Special Forces oversight.

A Story of ORG: Paul Rogers

In a special series of podcasts, ORG talks with people involved in the development and evolution of ORG from its early days. In this episode, ORG interviews Paul Rogers about his impressive career in the field of international security and his crucial role in the development of the Oxford Research Group.

A Story of ORG: Scilla Elworthy

In a special series of podcasts, ORG talks with people involved in the development and evolution of ORG in its early days. In this episode, ORG interviews Dr. Scilla Ellworthy, who founded ORG in 1982 and was its Executive Director until 2003.

A Story of ORG: Oliver Ramsbotham

In this episode, ORG interviews Oliver Ramsbotham, Emeritus Professor at Bradford University and a Senior Advisor to Oxford Research Group's Strategic Peacebuilding Programme. We discuss Professor Ramsbotham’s work with Oxford Research Group, particularly his role in developing Collective Strategic Thinking, an approach that has heavily influenced the work of the Strategic Peacebuilding Programme in Yemen and Israel-Palestine.

A Story of ORG: Gabrielle Rifkind

In this episode ORG interview Gabrielle Rifkind, a senior advisor to the Oxford Research Group’s Strategic Peacebuilding Programme, which she founded as the Middle East Programme in 2002. She is now the Director of Oxford Process. We discuss Gabrielle's work in preventive diplomacy and her crucial role in the development of Oxford Research Group’s Middle East Programme.

Latest news

An Update on the Security Policy Change Programme

ORG’s closure does not mean its important work has ended. The Remote Warfare Programme has already moved to Saferworld under a new name: the Security Policy Change Project. The project will work with Saferworld to push for positive policy change and magnify the voices of those most impacted by violent conflict. Read more
ORG Co-Signs Statement By Track II Actors in Yemen on the 20th Anniversary of UNSCR1325

Together with 10 track II actors, ORG have issued a statement on the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, on women, peace, and security. Read more
Gabrielle Rifkind Appears on the Parlia Podcast

Gabrielle Rifkind recently joined Turi Munthe on the Parlia Podcast to discuss the transformative power of psychology in conflict resolution. Read more
ORG Evidence Used in House of Commons Defence Committee’s Inquiry

Evidence submitted by ORG to the House of Commons Defence Committee’s Inquiry on the Integrated Review has been included in their final report, entitled ‘In Search of Strategy – The 2020 Integrated Review’ Read more
Oxford Research Group to Wind Up at the End of 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce that ORG will cease operations at the end of this year. Due to funding issues, our Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to close some of ORG’s programmes and move others to new homes. Read more
Obituary: Professor Frank Barnaby 1927-2020

It is with great sadness to report that a long-time and greatly valued friend of Oxford Research Group, Professor Frank Barnaby, died on 1 August at the age of 92. Read more