Sustainable Security Index

The Sustainable Security Index is a new project that aims to measure the net impact of each of the world’s states on global security. It is based on over 50 indicators and sub-indicators that provide quantifiable evidence of each state’s impact on conditions that we believe contribute to greater human security and well-being and thus help to sustain peace and prevent violent conflict. It should be stressed that this is very different from attempting to measure “national security” impact.

Our indicators are grouped into the three equally weighted categories:

Equality and Inclusion – To what extent does the behaviour of each state support greater equality, inclusion and social development of its own people and common humanity?
Arms Control & Peacekeeping – To what extent does the behaviour of each state prioritise arms control, peacekeeping and international law over independent use or threat of military force?
Climate & Environment – To what extent does the behaviour of each state contribute to the sustainable use of the world’s resources and maintenance of a climate viable for human habitation?

Sustainable Security Index – Research Note on Arms Exports

This research note from Oxford Research Group’s forthcoming Sustainable Security Index pulls together data on arms exports.Read more

Sustainable Security Index – Research Note on Global Opportunities for Refugees and Migrants

This research note pulls together data on refugees, migrants and labour conditions for the 170 countries.Read more

Sustainable Security Index – Research Note on Climate Change

The Sustainable Security Index is a new project that aims to measure the net impact of each of the world’s states on global security.Read more

Latest

The Perils of Remote Warfare: Finding a Political Settlement with Counter-Terrorism in the Driving Seat

Despite efforts to address the broader causes of instability, the current use of remote warfare has been predominantly military-focused and counter-terrorism oriented, often to the detriment of broader political efforts.

Programme Assistant, Strategic Peacebuilding Programme

ORG is looking for a well-organised administrator with experience of grant monitoring and reporting to join its Strategic Peacebuilding team. Working from London on projects in Palestine, Israel, Jordan and Yemen, the ideal candidate will match numeric skills, a sharp eye for detail, a passion for peacebuilding and some knowledge of the Middle East, its politics, culture and languages.

Climate Change, Populism and National Security

Climate disruption is the human security challenge of our age. With carbon emissions again rising and the world well off course delivering on the commitments it made in Paris three years ago, this briefing looks at this challenge as well as the rising influence of populist nationalism in key countries, including the US and BRIC states.

Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen in War is Boring

Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen has recently published an article on War is Boring, discussing news stories of US trained Cameroonian forces committing human rights abuses.

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.

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.

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

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

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.