Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps: Lessons Learned from Remote Warfare in Africa

Abigail Watson and Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen

6 November 2019

This report discusses how the roll out of the UK’s new Fusion Doctrine can better address the problems facing Africa.

The report highlights that while Fusion Doctrine may be well-suited to addressing crises, it struggles to create “routine fusion” which brings key stakeholders together to build sustainable peace and security.

To overcome these shortcomings, the report proposes a five-step approach to make Fusion Doctrine work:

1. Whole of government thinking in Whitehall
2. Implementation of this approach in the countries the UK engages in
3. Coordinating effectively with other international efforts
4. Establishing a meaningful dialogue with the host country
5. Creating a meaningful dialogue with civil society, both internationally and at home

The report argues that following these steps will be essential to ensuring Fusion Doctrine paves the way for credible, positive change in UK foreign policy and aids efforts to build stability and security in African states.

Image credit: AMISOM/Wikimedia Commons.

About the authors

Abigail Watson is the Research Manager at the Remote Warfare Programme.

Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen is Research and Policy Officer at the Remote Warfare Programme.

ORG's content is circulated free of charge for non-profit use. If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation.

£5

£10

£20

Donate

Latest

Press Release: Growing Parliamentary Support for Oversight of Britain’s Special Forces

An adjournment debate in the House of Commons shows growing momentum for introducing parliamentary oversight of Britain’s Special Forces.
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.
ORG Co-Hosts Forum on Local Peace Building Efforts in Yemen

The first Shabwa and Al-Mahra Strategic Forum, hosted by the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies and the Oxford Research Group, was held December 4 – 6, 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Abigail Watson Presents at University of York

On 10 December Abigail Watson presented at a workshop organised by the Department of Politics and the Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, at the University of York.

UK General Election 2019: Time for a New Approach to Security Partnerships?

This general election is an opportunity for UK political parties to commit to a review of the UK’s approach to security partnerships to ensure that they are consistent with UK strategic objectives to reduce conflict and build peace abroad.
Time for External Oversight of Britain's Special Forces

Many of the most damning accusations against special forces were from their fellow soldiers and not from the external lawyers viewed with suspicion.
Event Podcast | Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps: Lessons Learned From Remote Warfare in Africa

On 26 November, the Remote Warfare Programme launched their new report on the roll-out of the UK’s Fusion Doctrine at an event held at Fyvie Hall, London. An expert panel discussed the report's findings.
Infographics: Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps

ORG's research on Fusion Doctrine in Africa summarised in infographics.
Why Al-Shabaab’s attack on US drone base shouldn’t be ignored

The long-term impacts of western operations exacerbate the very radicalization and violence they claim to be trying to avoid.
WarPod Ep #7 | Drones, A.I., and Sci-Fi

Ulrike Franke discusses drones, artificial intelligence, the future of technology in warfare, and the insights that can be gained from studying the portrayal of drones in science fiction.
We Need To Talk About the UK’s New Special Operations Concept

Recent reports in the British media suggest UK special forces are pushing for a new role in the changing global security environment. This represents an opportunity for a much-needed debate about the future resourcing and priorities of the UK's special forces.
WarPod Episode #6 | Views from Inside Westminster

Liam Walpole is joined, on location at Portcullis House, by three past and present parliamentary researchers to discuss the future of UK defence and foreign policy.
Abigail Watson to Present at Bruges Colloquium

From October 17-18, the Remote Warfare Programme’s Abigail Watson will be speaking at the Bruges Colloquium on International Humanitarian Law.
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.

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 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

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

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.