The ORG Blog

‘Stabilization’ and UN Peace Operations

The term 'stabilization' has been frequently used by the UN. But what exactly does the term mean in the UN context and does its use denote a shift in the practice of the UN? Read more

Children and Conflict: An Interview with Katrina Lee-Koo

Katrina Lee-Koo discusses how children both struggle within and shape conflict zones. Read more

Protecting Civilians: An Interview with Cecilia Jacob

Cecilia Jacob discusses the evolution of the protection of civilians and the key challenges facing the norm today. Read more

Sons of the Soil Conflicts

Sons of the soil conflicts are a global issue. It is vital that policymakers and scholars of international politics understand the character, causes and consequences of these conflicts. Read more

We Need To Talk About the UK’s New Special Operations Concept

Recent reports in the British media suggest UK special forces are pushing for a new role in the changing global security environment. This represents an opportunity for a much-needed debate about the future resourcing and priorities of the UK's special forces. Read more

Reforming Security After Conflict: An Interview with Paul Jackson

Professor Paul Jackson discusses the concept of security sector reform. Read more

Complex Climate Emergencies and the UN Security Council

Although the UN Security Council has paid greater attention to issues of climate security in recent years, when and how it might act if called upon to do so by member states remains an open question. Read more

Peacekeeping and Civilian Protection: An Interview with Conor Foley

Humanitarian aid worker Conor Foley discusses the nature and extent of United Nations peacekeepers' obligations to protect civilians. Read more

Maritime Security: An Interview with Ioannis Chapsos

Ioannis Chapsos discusses the concept maritime security, the drivers behind maritime insecurity and the need to enhance maritime security governance. Read more

Latest

Time for External Oversight of Britain's Special Forces

Many of the most damning accusations against special forces were from their fellow soldiers and not from the external lawyers viewed with suspicion.

Marwa Baabbad Speaks at We the Peoples Film Festival

Marwa Baabbad, ORG's Head of International Projects, joined an expert panel at The We the Peoples Film Festival.

Abigail Watson Presents at Egmont Institute Roundtable

On 28 November, Abigail Watson, the Remote Warfare Programme’s Research Manager, joined a research and policy roundtable on security force assistance at the Egmont Institute in Brussels.

Event Podcast | Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps: Lessons Learned From Remote Warfare in Africa

On 26 November, the Remote Warfare Programme launched their new report on the roll-out of the UK’s Fusion Doctrine at an event held at Fyvie Hall, London. An expert panel discussed the report's findings.

The Role of Youth in Peacebuilding: Challenges and Opportunities

Young people are frequently ‘othered’ in discussions about conflict. This is a dangerous practice as youths can play a very positive role aiding peacebuilding in societies recovering from conflict.

Making Bad Economies: The Poverty of Mexican Drug Cartels

Some stories say that local economies benefit from cartels in Mexico. But research suggests that the areas most plagued by drug-related violence have seriously suffered economically.

ORG's Vision

Oxford Research Group (ORG) is an independent organisation that has been influential for over 35 years in pioneering new, more strategic approaches to security and peacebuilding. Based in London since 2006, ORG continues to pursue cutting edge research and advocacy in the United Kingdom and abroad while managing innovative peacebuilding projects in several Middle Eastern countries.

Remote Warfare: Lessons Learned from Contemporary Theatres

This report is a first attempt to identify some of the factors that have helped or hindered the UK’s current approach to remote warfare.

Weavers of Peace: The Higaonon Tribe in the Philippines

The Higaonon, an indigenous tribe in Northern Mindanao in the southern Philippines, have preserved an ancient system of conflict resolution which has enabled them to be a truly peaceful community. However, there is a need to ensure that this knowledge is not lost in the future.

The Cyprus Problem: Why Solve a Comfortable Conflict?

Several diplomatic efforts have been made both domestically and internationally to enhance peaceful unity since the start of the Cyprus Problem. Despite the shortcomings of past efforts, it is still desirable not only to resolve the issue, but also to do so in a timely manner.

Why Does UN Humanitarian Intervention Remain Selective?

Over the past two decades, the United Nations Security Council has responded more strongly to some humanitarian crises than to others. This variation in Security Council action raises the important question of what factors motivate United Nations intervention.