The ORG Blog

Marginalised Narratives of the Rwandan Genocide: An Interview with Giorgia Doná

25 years on from the Rwandan genocide, Giorgia Doná discusses her extensive field research examining the genocide's untold stories. Read more

The spotlight is on UK Special Forces, whether the Government likes it or not

Allegations that UK special forces were assisting Saudi-backed militias in Yemen led to a short-lived public and parliamentary backlash. However, the Government should not be too quick to forget this backlash or the lessons it offers. Read more

China’s UN Peacekeeping in Mali: Strategies and Risks

China’s peacekeeping in Mali represents another example of the country's increasing willingness to send personnel into an active conflict zone and a shift in Chinese strategic thinking. Read more

Trump administration’s move away from transparency may undermine US military operations

In early March, President Donald Trump caused a furore when he revoked a requirement for the US intelligence community to report on civilian casualties in airstrikes outside war zones. The decision is the latest in a larger trend of the Trump administration’s undermining the mechanisms of oversight for the use of force abroad. Read more

Intervention and Statebuilding in Kosovo: An Interview with Gëzim Visoka

20 years after the international intervention in Kosovo, Gezim Visoka discusses the NATO-led campaign and the statebuilding efforts which followed. Read more

Broken Promises: The Rise and Crises of Podemos

Podemos' rise and descent into crises represents an interesting case study in progressive politics and offers broader lessons for parties wishing to deepen democracy in Spain and elsewhere. Read more

Africa's Approach to Climate Change Negotiation

Leaders across the Africa have recognised the need to develop policies that will mitigate climate change and allow the continent to adapt to the effects which are already being felt. Read more

The Military Intervention in Mali and Beyond: An Interview with Bruno Charbonneau

Distinguished scholar and Sahel specialist Bruno Charbonneau critically examines the 2013 French military intervention in Mali and the peacekeeping initiative which followed. Read more

Fear-Filled Apocalypses: The Far-Right’s Use of Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories and apocalyptic beliefs are the lingua franca of the far right. Their effect on and importance in on far-right discourse needs to be taken more seriously. Read more

Latest

Marginalised Narratives of the Rwandan Genocide: An Interview with Giorgia Doná

25 years on from the Rwandan genocide, Giorgia Doná discusses her extensive field research examining the genocide's untold stories.

Richard Reeve speaks at Finnish Institute for International Affairs

Oxford Research Group (ORG) Chief Executive Richard Reeve joined the Finnish Institute for International Affairs (FIIA) in Helsinki on 14 May to discuss UK approaches to climate security policy-making.

Job Opportunity: Fundraising & Communications Officer

ORG is seeking a committed and dynamic fundraiser to join its team in London. The post-holder will work primarily on unrestricted fundraising for ORG, with a focus on identifying and engaging trusts, foundations and individual givers in the UK and elsewhere. Apply by 27 May 2019.

The spotlight is on UK Special Forces, whether the Government likes it or not

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.