Sustainable Security Index

The Sustainable Security Index is an exciting new project by Oxford Research Group (ORG). The Index measures security more holistically than it has been measured in the past. It is the first global ranking to measure the true drivers of instability.

The Index highlights why states need to move beyond a narrow understanding of security to an integrated approach that addresses the key drivers of instability:

Unsustainable environmental policies
Poor governance and inequality
Over reliance on military force

It ranks 155 countries on “sustainable security” and seeks to instigate a conversation around how to measure and change policies which exacerbate, rather than alleviate, the drivers of conflict.

Index Map

Scroll over map and go to bottom right corner to view in full screen

News and Publications

Sustainable Security: Defining, Measuring and Building Security after Covid-19

This article makes the case for Sustainable Security, incorporating a broader range of risk drivers and responses than the national security approach. Embracing this would be an opportunity for the UK to strategise a more secure society and world after Covid-19. Read more

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

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

Sustainable Security Index Rankings Table

Latest

Gabrielle Rifkind Appears on the Parlia Podcast

Garbrielle Rifkind recently joined Turi Munthe on the Parlia Podcast to discuss the transformative power of psychology in conflict resolution.

Questions for the Integrated Review #3: How Should the UK Measure Success?

Ahead of the Integrated Review, this final briefing in a series looks at how the UK should measure the success of military interventions.

A Call for Dialogue: The Dangers of Polarisation in the Special Forces Debate

Drawing upon extensive research, this piece calls for a healthier level of debate on the issue of UK Special Forces oversight.

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

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 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

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.