Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen

Research and Advocacy Assistant, Remote Warfare Programme

Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen is a Research and Advocacy Assistant at ORG’s Remote Warfare Programme. She supports the team’s research on changes in military engagement, as well as their work with Parliament and policy-makers. Her research interests include international security, armed groups, and sub-national conflict analysis.

Megan graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations from Royal Holloway, University of London, and is currently undertaking a part-time Masters in Conflict Studies at the London School of Economics.

Before joining the RWP, she co-founded and led The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network, a social enterprise focused on supporting refugees in the UK to become self-sustained through entrepreneurialism. She also worked as Lead Researcher and Script Writer on a UNHCR project to develop educational material for children, and has worked with European labour unions to conduct extensive research into the challenges facing young Palestinian workers.

Latest publications

‘Light Footprint’ Operations Keep US Troops in the Dark, Defence One, November 2018
When are we at War?, openDemocracy, September 2018
The UK Should Learn from the Transgressions of Australian Special Forces, Small Wars Journal, September 2018
The Cost of Intelligence Sharing and the Value of Transparency, July 2018
The True Cost of Special Forces? July 2018
Out from the shadows: the case for external oversight of UK Special Forces, April 2018

Contact details

Latest

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.
Emily Knowles presents at Peace Research Institute Oslo Event

RWP Director Emily Knowles delivered a presentation at the Litteraturhuset in Oslo aimed at improving Norwegian approaches to security force assistance.
The Government’s Defence Review: An Incomplete Picture

The Ministry of Defence’s long-awaited Modernising Defence Programme was released this week. The report appears to reinforce the government’s shifting strategic focus towards countering state-based threats, despite the fact that remote warfare is likely to dominate British military engagement in the foreseeable future.

Richard Reeve

Chief Executive, Oxford Research Group
Emily Knowles

Director, Remote Warfare Programme
Priti Sesha

Finance & Operations Manager
Marwa Baabbad

Project Manager - Yemen, Strategic Peacebuilding Programme
Abigail Watson

Senior Research Officer, Remote Warfare Programme
Liam Walpole

Senior Advocacy Officer, Remote Warfare Programme
Alasdair McKay

Senior Communications Officer
Alexander Scott

Programme Officer, Strategic Peacebuilding Programme

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.