The ORG Blog

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

Why is the UK going to Mali?

In one of her last acts as British Defence Secretary, Penny Mordaunt announced 250 troops will be deployed to support the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, but for this to be effective it needs better strategic thinking about the UK’s offer to its partners in the Sahel and the African continent. Read more

Gender and Peacekeeping: Progress and Challenges

UN peacekeeping has made considerable progress incorporating gender-sensitivity into its mandates and missions. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain. Read more

Peace Processes: An Interview with Roger Mac Ginty

Professor Roger Mac Ginty discusses peace processes, the decline of liberal peacebuilding and the concept of "everyday peace". Read more

Latest

WarPod Ep #7 | Drones, A.I., and Sci-Fi

Ulrike Franke discusses drones, artificial intelligence, the future of technology in warfare, and the insights that can be gained from studying the portrayal of drones in science fiction.

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.

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

Reforming Security After Conflict: An Interview with Paul Jackson

Professor Paul Jackson discusses the concept of security sector reform.

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.