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.

ORG’s Vision

Our vision is of a world in which effective and sustainable measures are taken to transform conflicts, reduce violence and promote global cooperation.

ORG’s Mission

Our mission is to promote approaches to defence, development and foreign policies that are inclusive, accountable, sustainable and effective. We thus work to transform the way that people and policy-makers think about security, seeking to break out of the cycle of conflict and violence.

ORG’s Strategic Objectives

Our objective is to secure a shift in UK and international policy-making such that:

Prior to the use of military force, all other alternatives are exhausted.
During violent conflict, military action is legally constituted, strategic in approach, subject to appropriate levels of scrutiny, and in clear support of a lasting political settlement.
After conflict, chances of a return to violence are reduced through peacebuilding that is strategic, inclusive and sustainable by ensuring that root causes of conflict are fully addressed.
In the long-term, global cooperation is promoted through structures and institutions that sustain peace and security.

ORG’s Approach

We work on long-term, strategic and sustainable solutions to violent conflict that are rigorous, realistic, and evidence-based. Our approach is based upon the four pillars of research, advocacy, capacity-building and dialogue. Our work thus involves:

Researching conflict and security issues to inform public debate;
Engaging with policy-makers to develop, refine and promote alternative policy options;
Building the capacity of stakeholders to think and plan strategically towards sustainable peace and security;
Using dialogue to change the way that people think about and engage with conflict.

Latest

Improving the UK offer in Africa: Lessons from military partnerships on the continent

Based on field research conducted in Africa with British and international military personnel, this brief focusses on the military contribution to UK efforts in Kenya, Mali and Nigeria.
Populism and Social Media: A Global Perspective

To understand the link between social media and the recent rise of populism we need a global, comparative approach that carefully scrutinises claims about the direct effects of new media technologies on political change.
Saving the Stateless? Myanmar, the Rohingya and R2P

The Responsibility to Protect, founded on a particular discourse of sovereignty, has limited usefulness and could even exacerbate the crisis in Myanmar.
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.

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.