Agile Warrior Quarterly

Emily Knowles and Abigail Watson

26 April 2018

Emily Knowles and Abigail Watson have contributed an article to Agile Warrior Quarterly, the British Army’s intellectual examination of current and emerging threat and opportunities for land capability. Drawing upon the examples of Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, the article examines the effectiveness of remote warfare. Whilst acknowledging that remote warfare can deliver short-term results, the authors conclude that this strategy really struggles to deliver when expectations move from destroying or degrading a terrorist threat towards setting the conditions for lasting stability.

Latest

When are we at War?

The UK government does not have working definitions of combat or non-combat. This suggests that the decision on whether a mission is combat or non-combat is left in the hands of political decision-makers who may have an incentive to avoid enhanced scrutiny.
The UK Should Learn from the Transgressions of Australian Special Forces

If greater oversight was given to UK Special Forces it would allow the government to institutionalise lessons learned on the causes of transgressions, as the Australians are currently doing.
The UK Government Needs to Learn that Secrecy is Not the Answer to Increased Litigation

Increasing litigation against the UK Ministry of Defence appears to have reduced the British government’s willingness to publicly justify or explain operations abroad – potentially to the detriment of public trust and the government’s own goals of reducing litigation against it.
Director, Strategic Peacebuilding Programme

ORG is seeking an experienced, Arabic-speaking project manager to lead the strategic direction, growth and diversification of the Strategic Peacebuilding Programme’s projects and funding, managing projects in Palestine and Israel, and overseeing its work on Yemen. Apply by 6pm on Tuesday 2nd October.

When are we at War?

The UK government does not have working definitions of combat or non-combat. This suggests that the decision on whether a mission is combat or non-combat is left in the hands of political decision-makers who may have an incentive to avoid enhanced scrutiny.
The UK Government Needs to Learn that Secrecy is Not the Answer to Increased Litigation

Increasing litigation against the UK Ministry of Defence appears to have reduced the British government’s willingness to publicly justify or explain operations abroad – potentially to the detriment of public trust and the government’s own goals of reducing litigation against it.
Security cooperation with Saudi Arabia: Is it worth it for the UK?

This report assesses the costs and benefits to the UK of its defence and security relationship with Saudi Arabia, as well as the extent to which the UK is able to exert leverage and influence over Saudi Arabian foreign policy.
Inconclusive Conclusions: The Modernising Defence Programme So Far

This is the final blog post to wrap up our series on the Costs of Remote Warfare, following the publication of the headline conclusions of the government's Modernising Defence Programme.
No Such Thing as a Quick Fix: The Aspiration-Capabilities Gap in British Remote Warfare

This report is a first attempt to evaluate the gaps between contemporary strategies and activities in Iraq, Syria and Libya.
Westminster Round-Up | July 2018

While July has been a short parliamentary month – nearly shortened further by an impromptu early recess for MPs – it has not been a boring one.
The Cost of Intelligence Sharing and the Value of Transparency

When it comes to transparency over the costs of the UK’s intelligence support to partners in conflict, there is still a lot to be done when it comes to ensuring that there can be effective scrutiny and government accountability for these actions.
The True Cost of Drone Warfare?

At a time when the defence sector is under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money, the ambiguity surrounding the true costs of the UK's drone programme is troubling.
The True Cost of Special Forces?

In an era where defence is under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money, the continuing opacity of special forces budgets restricts any meaningful analysis of this assumption.
Emily Knowles at APPG Event

Emily Knowles, RWP Director, recently joined a distinguished panel at an APPG parliamentary event to discuss the importance of ensuring all countries adhere to and support international law.

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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
No Such Thing as a Quick Fix: The Aspiration-Capabilities Gap in British Remote Warfare

This report is a first attempt to evaluate the gaps between contemporary strategies and activities in Iraq, Syria and Libya.
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.
Sustainable Security: Global Ideas for a Greater Britain

With the divisive process of leaving the European Union destabilising the UK’s minority government and driving an obsession with redefining a global role for a “Great” Britain, the time is right for political parties of all persuasions to rethink the country’s contribution to global security.
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).