Abigail Watson Published in Agile Warrior Newsletter

28 May 2020

Abigail Watson, ORG's Research Manager, has published an article in the Agile Warrior newsletter. The British Army’s Agile Warrior Programme examines the future of conflict and tries to understand what the British Army should look like in 2035.

The article discusses the risks of partnered military operations. Drawing on the lessons learned from ORG’s research, the piece outlines three major problems with partnered operations which challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the practice:

Governments treat partnered operations as risk-free, but they are not. They can produce political backlashes and often yield significant civilian harm.
Partnered operations do not fix political problems.
Partnered operations do not automatically buy influence.

Latest

Writing on the Wall? The UK and the Early Warning Signs of COVID-19

COVID-19 is the greatest challenge to global human security in the past 50 years. Before the outbreak the UK government claimed to be world-leading in pandemic preparedness but is likely to end up being the worst affected state in Western Europe. This analysis seeks to explain why this is so.
Webinar Podcast: Sustainable Security Index Launch

On 9 June ORG hosted a webinar where an expert panel discussed the Sustainable Security Index's key themes and findings.
Assistant to the Director of Oxford Process

Oxford Process is seeking an assistant to work 20 hours per week. This is an unpaid position but a very attractive studio flat in the Hampstead area of London NW3 will be provided. Please note that this is not an ORG appointment. Applications should be made to the Oxford Process.
Sustainable Security Index Report

The Sustainable Security Index ranks 155 countries on sustainable security. The Index report explores the key themes and findings of the Index.

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.