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

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Press Release: Growing Parliamentary Support for Oversight of Britain’s Special Forces

An adjournment debate in the House of Commons shows growing momentum for introducing parliamentary oversight of Britain’s Special Forces.
Running Out of Time? Future Prospects for Climate Stability

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

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Time for External Oversight of Britain's Special Forces

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Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps: Lessons Learned from Remote Warfare in Africa

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Infographics: Fusion Doctrine in Five Steps

ORG's research on Fusion Doctrine in Africa summarised in infographics.
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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

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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.
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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

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The UK and UN Peace Operations: A Case for Greater Engagement

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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.