Westminster Round-Up Podcast | April 2019

29 April 2019

The Remote Warfare Programme's Liam Walpole and Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen discuss the latest developments in UK defence and security policy.

This month's big story is Gavin Williamson's announcement of a new UK Centre of Excellence for Human Security.

Music by Bensound

Image credit: ResoluteSupportMedia/Flickr.

About the discussants

Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen is a Research and Policy Assistant at ORG’s Remote Warfare Programme.

Liam Walpole is a Senior Advocacy Officer at the Remote Warfare Programme.

Latest

UK General Election 2019: Time for a New Approach to Security Partnerships?

This general election is an opportunity for UK political parties to commit to a review of the UK’s approach to security partnerships to ensure that they are consistent with UK strategic objectives to reduce conflict and build peace abroad.
Time for External Oversight of Britain's Special Forces

Many of the most damning accusations against special forces were from their fellow soldiers and not from the external lawyers viewed with suspicion.
Marwa Baabbad Speaks at We the Peoples Film Festival

Marwa Baabbad, ORG's Head of International Projects, joined an expert panel at The We the Peoples Film Festival.
Abigail Watson Presents at Egmont Institute Roundtable

On 28 November, Abigail Watson, the Remote Warfare Programme’s Research Manager, joined a research and policy roundtable on security force assistance at the Egmont Institute in Brussels.

UK General Election 2019: Time for a New Approach to Security Partnerships?

This general election is an opportunity for UK political parties to commit to a review of the UK’s approach to security partnerships to ensure that they are consistent with UK strategic objectives to reduce conflict and build peace abroad.
Time for External Oversight of Britain's Special Forces

Many of the most damning accusations against special forces were from their fellow soldiers and not from the external lawyers viewed with suspicion.
Event Podcast | Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps: Lessons Learned From Remote Warfare in Africa

On 26 November, the Remote Warfare Programme launched their new report on the roll-out of the UK’s Fusion Doctrine at an event held at Fyvie Hall, London. An expert panel discussed the report's findings.
A Green Election – If Not Now, When?

Ahead of the upcoming UK General Election, this briefing examines the approaches taken by each of the main political parties to tackling climate change and asks whether election campaigns can really achieve long-term policy changes on key issues.
Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps: Lessons Learned from Remote Warfare in Africa

This report on the roll out of the UK’s new Fusion Doctrine in Africa is the first independent assessment of the Doctrine’s potential to tackle instability on the continent.
Infographics: Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps

ORG's research on Fusion Doctrine in Africa summarised in infographics.
Why Al-Shabaab’s attack on US drone base shouldn’t be ignored

The long-term impacts of western operations exacerbate the very radicalization and violence they claim to be trying to avoid.
WarPod Ep #7 | Drones, A.I., and Sci-Fi

Ulrike Franke discusses drones, artificial intelligence, the future of technology in warfare, and the insights that can be gained from studying the portrayal of drones in science fiction.
We Need To Talk About the UK’s New Special Operations Concept

Recent reports in the British media suggest UK special forces are pushing for a new role in the changing global security environment. This represents an opportunity for a much-needed debate about the future resourcing and priorities of the UK's special forces.
The Limits of US Military Power

President Trump has responded to the emerging challenges to the United States’ power from Iran and North Korea with baleful talk of military action. These threats have achieved little. What does this situation tell us about the limits of America’s military power?

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 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.