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

Are Negotiations with al Qaeda or the Islamic State Possible?

Flawed assumptions have prevented theorizing about negotiations with al Qaeda and the Islamic State. It is time to consider whether dialogue may be possible.
The Cost of Intelligence Sharing and the Value of Transparency

When it comes to transparency over the costs of the UK’s intelligence support to partners in conflict, there is still a lot to be done when it comes to ensuring that there can be effective scrutiny and government accountability for these actions.
The True Cost of Drone Warfare?

At a time when the defence sector is under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money, the ambiguity surrounding the true costs of the UK's drone programme is troubling.
Senior Development Officer or Development Manager (part-time)

ORG is seeking an experienced and dynamic fundraiser to join its team in London. The post-holder will lead in refining and implementing ORG’s fundraising strategy and campaigns with a primary focus on raising and sustaining funds from trusts, foundations and individual donors, including through solicited proposals, special events, campaigns and personal outreach. Apply by 5pm on Monday 23rd July 2018.

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.
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 True Cost of Special Forces?

In an era where defence is under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money, the continuing opacity of special forces budgets restricts any meaningful analysis of this assumption.
The Kim/Trump Summit and Implications for Iran

Trump’s esoteric approach to diplomacy produced surprising outcomes at his June summit with Kim Jong-Un in Singapore. In response, Iranian hardliners have made a surprising move on ballistic missiles, potentially signalling that they fancy their chances in bilateral negotiations with the great American deal-maker.
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.
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.
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.
Defining Remote Warfare: British Training and Assistance Programmes in Yemen, 2004-2015

Between 2004-2015 Britain engaged in capacity building operations across Yemen’s police, military, and intelligence agencies. This briefing seeks to provide a critical review of these efforts, their successes, and the causes of their ultimate failure, in order to identify lessons for future training and assistance missions.
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.
A Tale of Two Puzzles: Accounting for Military and Climate Change Expenditures

This research paper by Oliver Scanlan, ORG's Climate Fellow, examines the discrepancies between the UK Government’s military expenditures and its direct outlays on climate change mitigation and adaptation, both at home and abroad.