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

The US Congress understands the importance of Special Forces oversight, why doesn’t the UK Parliament?

As special forces are increasingly used in actions overseas, and face growing questions about accountability and resources, it is time for the UK government to abandon its outdated attitude and allow for the democratic oversight of special forces in Parliament.
Remote Warfare Programme hosts event at the University of Kent

The Oxford Research Group’s Remote Warfare Programme held a two day conference at the end of February entitled ‘Conceptualising Remote Warfare: The Past, Present and Future’.
RWP Submits Evidence on Britain's Role in Authorising the Use of Force

Oxford Research Group’s Remote Warfare Programme submitted evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s (PACAC) inquiry recently, looking at the British Parliament’s role in authorising the use of military force.
Job Opportunity - Consultant: Climate Security

ORG is looking for an expert on climate change and security issues to lead on implementation of a new project on integrating climate change analysis into UK national security planning processes. Expressions of interest are sought by 14 March

The US Congress understands the importance of Special Forces oversight, why doesn’t the UK Parliament?

As special forces are increasingly used in actions overseas, and face growing questions about accountability and resources, it is time for the UK government to abandon its outdated attitude and allow for the democratic oversight of special forces in Parliament.
RWP Submits Evidence on Britain's Role in Authorising the Use of Force

Oxford Research Group’s Remote Warfare Programme submitted evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s (PACAC) inquiry recently, looking at the British Parliament’s role in authorising the use of military force.
Podcast | Learning Lessons from Partner Operations: A Conversation with Larry Lewis

The Remote Warfare Programme's Liam Walpole and Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen sit down with Dr. Larry Lewis to discuss working with strategic military partners and civilian casualties.
Westminster Round Up | February 2019

The Remote Warfare Programme provides its monthly update on the developments in UK defence and security policy.
Podcast: The Modernising Defence Programme Review In Focus

The Remote Warfare Programme team critically discuss the recently released Modernising Defence Programme review.
Podcast: The 2013 Syria Vote Revisited

The Remote Warfare Programme team revisit the 2013 parliamentary vote over intervention in Syria and whether the result reflected a shift towards a pacifist parliament as some have claimed.
Westminster Round Up | January 2019

In the aftermath of President Trump’s surprise announcement that US forces will withdraw from Syria, MPs expressed their concerns at abandoning the fight against IS pre-emptively and leaving Kurdish partners behind without adequate support.
Remote Warfare Programme Speak at Fabian New Year Conference 2019

Remote Warfare Programme Director, Emily Knowles, spoke at the Fabian’s New Year Conference on Saturday 19 January as part of a panel event entitled: Positive Vision: Deepening defence and security cooperation.
Westminster Round Up | December 2018

In the 12 days of December that parliament sat, the long-awaited release of the Modernising Defence Programme could and should have been the big news. Instead it was released two days before the Christmas recess began and it was deemed underwhelming by MPs and analysts alike.
Drone Proliferation: An Interview With Ulrike Franke

Specialist on European security and defence issues, Ulrike Franke, discusses the global proliferation of drone technology.

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.
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 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.