WarPod Episodes 8 & 9 | Understanding Security in the Sahel

28 January 2020

The Sahel is a complex security environment with multiple overlapping unilateral, bilateral and multilateral efforts aimed at building stability, countering terrorist activity and building the capacity of local partners.

In this two-part podcast series, Abigail Watson, ORG's Research Manager for the Remote Warfare Programme, talks to experts about the international and regional dynamics to security in Africa's Sahel region.

The first part examines the various international actors operating in the region and features contributions from Delina Goxha and Flore Berger.

The discussants for part two, which focuses on the local and regional dynamics of security in the Sahel, are Zoë Gorman, Anna Schmauder and Brema Ely Dicko.

Listen to part 1 - International Engagement in the Sahel

Listen to part 2 - Regional Dynamics to Security in the Sahel

Image credit: MINUSMA.

Latest

ORG Co-Hosts Virtual Launch of Palestine 2030 Report

Oxford Research Group (ORG) and the Palestine Strategy Group (PSG) co-hosted a successful virtual launch of the ‘Palestine 2030’ strategic report on 30 June 2020.
Abigail Watson Presents at Virtual BISA Roundtable

Abigail Watson recently presented at an online BISA event where she discussed militerisation in the Sahel region of Africa. .
Compound Risks and Sustainable Security

In the Anthropocene, it is vital for those in power to understand the interplay between drivers of insecurity and act accordingly. But no state is currently equipped to do this.
WarPod Ep #16 | The Remote Warfare Paradox

Jolle Demmers and Lauren Gould from Utrecht University discuss the use of remote warfare by democratic states, the reasons why they have chosen to use this type of military engagement and the problems yielded by this practice.

Compound Risks and Sustainable Security

In the Anthropocene, it is vital for those in power to understand the interplay between drivers of insecurity and act accordingly. But no state is currently equipped to do this.
WarPod Ep #16 | The Remote Warfare Paradox

Jolle Demmers and Lauren Gould from Utrecht University discuss the use of remote warfare by democratic states, the reasons why they have chosen to use this type of military engagement and the problems yielded by this practice.
Questions for the Integrated Review: #1 How Do We Define Security?

The UK needs to better conceptualise its understanding of national security. By acknowledging and accounting for all the drivers of conflict and insecurity the UK can ensure that all its engagements work towards a more peaceful and prosperous world.
Abigail Watson Appears on History Channel’s Secret Wars Uncovered

ORG’s Research Manager, Abigail Watson, was interviewed as part of the History Channel’s Secret Wars Uncovered series.
The DFID-FCO Merger: Long-Term Thinking and the Role of Civil Society

On 16 June, the UK government announced a merger between DFID and the FCO. ORG offers its comments on this development,
WarPod Ep #15 | Foreign Military Assistance, Human Rights and Peacebuilding

Emily Knowles and Jahara Matisek join Abigail Watson to discuss security force assistance and it can be used as a peacebuilding tool.
COVID-19 and the Emerging Global Picture

The global system is still barely five months into the COVID-19 pandemic and so it is difficult to draw general conclusions about the outbreak. But what is noticeable is that certain countries have fared better than others in dealing with the spread of the virus. This briefing explores some of the possible reasons for this development.
What Sir Keir Starmer’s Victory Could Mean for Labour’s Priorities on National Security

This article discusses what direction Labour's security polices could take under Keir Starmer's leadership.
The Global Crisis of Our Time: The Long-Term Impacts of COVID-19

This briefing concentrates on three elements of the COVID-19 outbreak,: the experience in the United Kingdom and its response to the crisis; the global emergency which is becoming apparent across the Global South; and some early indications of the longer-term impacts of the pandemic.
COVID-19: An Update from Oxford Research Group

ORG would like to update you about how our team is adapting to the pandemic and let you know about upcoming ORG events, roundtables, podcasts and publications.

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.
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.