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

Lawful But Awful? Legal and Political Challenges of Remote Warfare and Working with Partners

Remote Warfare Programme Director Emily Knowles will discuss the political and legal implications of the use of remote warfare at an event at the University of Exeter.
‘Light Footprint’ Operations Keep US Troops in the Dark

With fewer troops to gather intelligence, American forces are vulnerable to locals’ manipulation.
ORG Explains #7: The UK Military in the Arctic

This primer explains what military presence, relations and obligations the UK has in the “High North” region comprising the Arctic and the adjacent Northeast Atlantic Ocean between Scotland, Iceland, Greenland and Norway.
ORG Gives Evidence to Commons Inquiry on Yemen

On 30 October, Marwa Baabbad, Oxford Research Group’s Project Manager for Yemen, joined an expert panel to provide oral evidence to the House of Commons International Development Committee.

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 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 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.
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.
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.