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  • Chances for Peace in the Third Decade

    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

    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

  • COVID-19: The Dangers of Securitisation

    COVID-19: The Dangers of Securitisation

    The COVID-19 pandemic is now at the point where it could be met with more militarised responses. This briefing assesses the chances of avoiding a securitisation of the outbreak. Read more

  • COVID-19 and the Lessons from History

    COVID-19 and the Lessons from History

    This month’s briefing analyses the current state of the COVID-19 outbreak, puts it in the context of the past century’s worst pandemics and illustrates the lessons that can be learnt from these episodes Read more

  • Chances for Peace in the Third Decade
  • Marib: A Yemeni Government Stronghold Increasingly Vulnerable to Houthi Advances
  • COVID-19: The Dangers of Securitisation
  • COVID-19 and the Lessons from History
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  1. About Us
  2. Our work
  3. Sustainable Security

Sustainable Security Programme

Our work focuses on promoting global cooperation through attitudes, structures and institutions that sustain peace and security in the long-term. The programme brings to ORG expertise on climate and environmental policy, marginalisation and development challenges, arms industry, exports and proliferation, and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East and northern Africa.

The sustainable security approach has been pioneered by ORG since the mid-2000s and prioritises the identification and resolution of underlying drivers of insecurity and conflict rather than their violent symptoms. Its emphasis is on preventative rather than reactive strategies and an exploration of alternatives to military action to manage and resolve conflicts.

ORG identifies three interconnected trends that are most likely to lead to competition over resources, global and regional instability, and loss of life of a magnitude unmatched by other potential threats:

  • Climate change: Loss of infrastructure, resource scarcity and the mass displacement of peoples, leading to civil unrest, intercommunal violence and international instability.
  • Marginalisation of the majority world: Increasing socio-economic divisions and the political, economic and cultural marginalisation of the vast majority of the world’s population.
  • Global militarisation: The increased use of military force as a security measure and the further spread of military technologies, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons.

These drivers represent something new. Never before has humanity faced a world as interconnected yet so socio-economically divided, where environmental limits are so apparent and where traditional approaches to war-fighting and the use of force are so counter-productive.

The programme aims to develop new thinking around the security challenges and responses that define our age in pursuit of more sustainable approaches to peace and security in the United Kingdom and globally.

Projects

  • Rethinking UK Defence and Security Strategies
  • The Sustainable Security Index
  • Paul Rogers' monthly briefings
  • ORG Explains


Latest Publications

Chances for Peace in the Third Decade

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

Published: 26th November, 2020

Updated: 27th November, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
Marib: A Yemeni Government Stronghold Increasingly Vulnerable to Houthi Advances

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

Published: 22nd November, 2020

Updated: 25th November, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Sustainable Security Programme
Looking Back to Look Forward: The Value of ORG’s Approach to Conflict

Looking Back to Look Forward: The Value of ORG’s Approach to Conflict

This briefing, the penultimate contribution to a series that began in 2003, revisits some of the early issues. These briefings were written at the beginning of the so-called ”war on terror”. Read more

Published: 29th October, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
COVID-19: The Dangers of Securitisation

COVID-19: The Dangers of Securitisation

The COVID-19 pandemic is now at the point where it could be met with more militarised responses. This briefing assesses the chances of avoiding a securitisation of the outbreak. Read more

Published: 29th September, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
COVID-19 and the Lessons from History

COVID-19 and the Lessons from History

This month’s briefing analyses the current state of the COVID-19 outbreak, puts it in the context of the past century’s worst pandemics and illustrates the lessons that can be learnt from these episodes Read more

Published: 28th August, 2020

Updated: 26th November, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
COVID-19: Not Out of the Woods Yet

COVID-19: Not Out of the Woods Yet

There is still much to learn about the virus and its behaviour, but it seems probable that we are still in the early stages of the global pandemic and the worst impacts of the outbreak may be yet to come. Read more

Published: 28th July, 2020

Updated: 29th July, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
Compound Risks and Sustainable Security

Compound Risks and Sustainable Security

In the Anthropocene, it is vital for those in power to understand the interplay between drivers of insecurity and act accordingly. But no state is currently equipped to do this. Read more

Published: 26th June, 2020

Updated: 2nd October, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Climate and environment
Questions for the Integrated Review: #1 How Do We Define Security?

Questions for the Integrated Review: #1 How Do We Define Security?

The UK needs to better conceptualise its understanding of national security. By acknowledging and accounting for all the drivers of conflict and insecurity the UK can ensure that all its engagements work towards a more peaceful and prosperous world. Read more

Published: 25th June, 2020

Updated: 26th November, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • The Remote Warfare Programme
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Integrated Review
Writing on the Wall? The UK and the Early Warning Signs of COVID-19

Writing on the Wall? The UK and the Early Warning Signs of COVID-19

COVID-19 is the greatest challenge to global human security in the past 50 years. Before the outbreak the UK Government claimed to be world-leading in pandemic preparedness but is likely to end up being the worst affected state in Western Europe.  This analysis seeks to explain why this is so. Read more

Published: 15th June, 2020

Updated: 14th July, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
Webinar Podcast: Sustainable Security Index Launch

Webinar Podcast: Sustainable Security Index Launch

On 9 June ORG hosted a webinar where an expert panel discussed the Sustainable Security Index's key themes and findings. Read more

Published: 11th June, 2020

Updated: 1st July, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Sustainable Security Index
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Podcasts
Sustainable Security Index Report

Sustainable Security Index Report

The Sustainable Security Index ranks 155 countries on sustainable security. The Index report explores the key themes and findings of the Index. Read more

Published: 31st May, 2020

Updated: 1st July, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Sustainable Security Index
  • Sustainable Security Programme
COVID-19 and the Emerging Global Picture

COVID-19 and the Emerging Global Picture

The global system is still barely five months into the COVID-19 pandemic and so it is difficult to draw general conclusions about the outbreak. But what is noticeable is that certain countries have fared better than others in dealing with the spread of the virus.  This briefing explores some of the possible reasons for this development. Read more

Published: 28th May, 2020

Updated: 1st June, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
The Global Crisis of Our Time: The Long-Term Impacts of COVID-19

The Global Crisis of Our Time: The Long-Term Impacts of COVID-19

This briefing concentrates on three elements of the COVID-19 outbreak,: the experience in the United Kingdom and its response to the crisis; the global emergency which is becoming apparent across the Global South; and some early indications of the longer-term impacts of the pandemic. Read more

Published: 29th April, 2020

Updated: 30th April, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
Austerity in the Age of COVID-19: A Match Made in Hell?

Austerity in the Age of COVID-19: A Match Made in Hell?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been described as the biggest crisis facing the world since the end of the Second World War. The pandemic has raised serious questions about whether the political and economic systems in many states can deal with a crisis of this nature. Read more

Published: 27th March, 2020

Updated: 1st June, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
Connecting the Dots: The West’s Wars at Home and Abroad

Connecting the Dots: The West’s Wars at Home and Abroad

The "war on terror" has been underway for nearly two decades. Yet there is still little appreciation in some political quarters of how this approach has often been counterproductive and even created the conditions for violent extremism to thrive. If we are ever going to move towards a less violent future, this must change. Read more

Published: 28th February, 2020

Updated: 3rd March, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Non-state armed groups
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Middle East
Who Benefits? Trump, Iran and the Bigger Picture

Who Benefits? Trump, Iran and the Bigger Picture

The assassination of Qasem Soleimani caused tensions between the US and Iran to escalate dramatically. Relations between the two have simmered, though it is difficult to see how long for. But who are the real winners and losers from the crisis? Read more

Published: 31st January, 2020

Updated: 1st February, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Sahel - Sahara
Running Out of Time? Future Prospects for Climate Stability

Running Out of Time? Future Prospects for Climate Stability

The recent Conservative UK election victory and the lack of progress in the recent Madrid climate summit have cast doubt over future efforts to reduce global carbon emissions. This briefing assesses the prospects of whether a radical rethink amongst policymakers to mitigating climate breakdown will occur in time. Read more

Published: 18th December, 2019

Updated: 25th April, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Climate and environment
A Green Election – If Not Now, When?

A Green Election – If Not Now, When?

Ahead of the upcoming UK General Election, this briefing examines the approaches taken by each of the main political parties to tackling climate change and asks whether election campaigns can really achieve long-term policy changes on key issues. Read more

Published: 27th November, 2019

Updated: 2nd December, 2019

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Climate and environment
The Global Revolts from the Margins

The Global Revolts from the Margins

During the past nine months, there have been major episodes of civil unrest in several countries across the globe. Focusing mainly on the recent mass protests in Iraq, Lebanon and Chile, this briefing draws on the concept of “revolts from the margins” to explain these events. Read more

Published: 30th October, 2019

Updated: 29th March, 2020

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Middle East
The Limits of US Military Power

The Limits of US Military Power

President Trump has responded to the emerging challenges to the United States’ power from Iran and North Korea with baleful talk of military action. These threats have achieved little. What does this situation tell us about the limits of America’s military power? Read more

Published: 29th September, 2019

Updated: 30th September, 2019

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Middle East
  • Diplomacy
ORG Explains #11: The UK Military in the Eastern Mediterranean

ORG Explains #11: The UK Military in the Eastern Mediterranean

This primer explains what presence, relations and obligations the UK military has in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, the Palestinian Territories, Syria and Turkey. Read more

Published: 12th September, 2019

Updated: 18th September, 2019

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • ORG Explains
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Operations
  • Middle East
  • Migration
  • Europe and NATO
Cycles of Violence: To Afghanistan and Back

Cycles of Violence: To Afghanistan and Back

As the United States seeks to end its 18-year war in Afghanistan through negotiations with the Taliban, this briefing revisits how Washington and the Western coalition have responded to the 9/11 attacks and stoked the cycle of violence that has empowered al-Qaida, Islamic State and other extreme, anti-Western groups. Read more

Published: 29th August, 2019

Updated: 9th December, 2019

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Asia
  • Non-state armed groups
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Policy and Doctrine
  • Sustainable Security Programme
Silent Spring to Strident Summer: The Politics of Global Heating

Silent Spring to Strident Summer: The Politics of Global Heating

This briefing tracks the evolution of the ecological movement since the 1960s and of scientific and direct action to respond to the catastrophic threat of climate disruption. Read more

Published: 30th July, 2019

Updated: 31st July, 2019

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Climate and environment
Confronting Iran: The British Dimension

Confronting Iran: The British Dimension

The posture of the British Armed Forces in and around the Persian Gulf mean that it would be very difficult for the United Kingdom, or its key ally Oman, to remain neutral in any military escalation of the conflict between Iran and the United States. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2019

Updated: 9th December, 2019

Author: Alasdair McKay

Related topics:
  • Asia
  • Paul Rogers' Briefings
  • Sustainable Security Programme
  • Operations
  • Middle East
Load more Back to top

Showing 10 of 89

Latest

  • Annual Report 2019-2020

    Annual Report 2019-2020

    ORG is proud to share its Annual Report for the period 2019 to 2020.

  • Security in the DRC and Yemen: Military Conflict, Disease Outbreak and Containment

    Security in the DRC and Yemen: Military Conflict, Disease Outbreak and Containment

    This briefing examines the effect of military conflict on the response (and vice versa) to Ebola and COVID-19 in DRC and Yemen, respectively.

  • Mistrust, Misinformation and Community Engagement: Reflections on lessons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen

    Mistrust, Misinformation and Community Engagement: Reflections on lessons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen

    This briefing examines the mistrust, misinformation and community engagement during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks in the DRC and Yemen, respectively.

  • Women’s Experiences of Disease Outbreaks in Conflict: Reflections on lessons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen

    Women’s Experiences of Disease Outbreaks in Conflict: Reflections on lessons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen

    This briefing will explore the challenges facing women and girls in each of these contexts. It will first examine the response of the international community in the DRC, and identify key challenges to Congolese women.

Most read

  • The Role of Youth in Peacebuilding: Challenges and Opportunities

    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

    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 for nearly four decades 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

    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

    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?

    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?

    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.

  • The Politics of Coltan: An Interview with Michael Nest

    The Politics of Coltan: An Interview with Michael Nest

    In this interview, Dr. Michael Nest discusses the political, environmental, ethical and social issues surrounding the mining of columbite–tantalite (coltan).

  • The UK and UN Peace Operations: A Case for Greater Engagement

    The UK and UN Peace Operations: A Case for Greater Engagement

    This report supports an enhanced role for Britain in UN peace operations and sets out a case for greater engagement.

  • The Expanding Role of Chinese Peacekeeping in Africa

    The Expanding Role of Chinese Peacekeeping in Africa

    China's increased involvement in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping in Africa reflects a broader trend of the country taking a more proactive approach to foreign policy.

Tag cloud

Accoutability Africa Al-Shabaab AMISOM Peacebuilding Peacekeeping Responsibility to Protect Somalia Special Forces Special Forces oversight Special Operations Forces Transparency UNISOM Yemen

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