Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen

Research and Policy Officer

Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen is a Research and Policy Officer 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. She also produces ORG's Westminster Round-Up series.

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

Trump administration’s move away from transparency may undermine US military operations, The Strategist, May 2019
The spotlight is on UK Special Forces, whether the Government likes it or not, Agora, May 2019.
SAS Injured in Syria: Shouldn’t We Understand What Went Wrong?, International Review, January 2019
‘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

Westminster round-up

Read the briefings.

Contact details

Latest

Marib: A Yemeni Government Stronghold Increasingly Vulnerable to Houthi Advances

This paper adds color to the monochromatic narrative that has developed around Marib in recent decades by highlighting its rich history, complex social fabric nd important role in the national economy.
PS21 Event Podcast: What Does “Security” Mean in 2020?

As Covid-19 reshapes the world and Britain begins its Integrated Defence and Security Review, what does the word “security” really mean in 2020
WarPod Ep #21 | Dissecting the Overseas Operations Bill

Abigail Watson is joined by Camilla Molyneux and Mark Goodwin-Hudson to discuss the Overseas Operations Bill.
ORG Co-Signs Statement By Track II Actors in Yemen on the 20th Anniversary of UNSCR1325

Together with 10 track II actors, ORG have issued a statement on the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, on women, peace, and security.

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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.
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.
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.
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.