Professor Oliver Ramsbotham

Senior Fellow, Strategic Peacebuilding Programme

Oliver Ramsbotham is a Consultant on Oxford Research Group's (ORG) Strategic Peacebuilding Programme (formerly Middle East Programme). He was Chair of the Board from April 2007 until July 2013.

Oliver is a specialist on conflict resolution and designed an original approach to handling 'intractable' conflict, which he calls ‘radical disagreement’. This approach both informs - and is informed by - ORG's ongoing work with the Palestinian Strategic Group and the Israeli Strategic Forum.

Oliver is Emeritus Professor of Conflict Resolution at the University of Bradford (UK) and President of the Conflict Research Society. He is series Co-Editor of Routledge Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

In addition to many articles, he has published books relevant to all three areas of ORG's programme activity. These include books on nuclear deterrence, alternative defence options, and peacekeeping in the area of sustainable security, as well as books on dialogue and the management of radical disagreement in the Middle East, including 'Transforming Violent Conflict: Radical Disagreement, Dialogue and Survival' (2010). He is also the author of Contemporary Conflict Resolution, with Hugh Miall and Tom Woodhouse (2011) (third edition).

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Latest

Annual Report 2018

Oxford Research Group is delighted to share its Annual Report for 2018. 2018 was a tremendous year for ORG’s work and impact. We began by incorporating the Remote Warfare Programme, expanded our long-term work on the Middle East Peace Process and climate security, and took on our biggest project yet, working on Yemen’s stalled peace process.
Cycles of Violence: To Afghanistan and Back

As the United States seeks to end its 18-year war in Afghanistan through negotiations with the Taliban, this briefing revisits how Washington and the Western coalition have responded to the 9/11 attacks and stoked the cycle of violence that has empowered al-Qaida, Islamic State and other extreme, anti-Western groups.
Job Opportunity: Chief Executive - Interim

We are looking for an inspirational Chief Executive to build on our current successes, drive our strategy and accelerate progress towards our vision.
Job Opportunity: Head of Fundraising

We are seeking an experienced fundraiser to join our close-knit team to provide the pivotal leadership and talent to help the organisation generate the income needed to achieve its goals. Apply by Wednesday 11th September 2019.

Professor Paul Rogers

Senior Fellow, International Security
Richard Reeve

Chief Executive, Oxford Research Group
Emily Knowles

Associate Fellow
Dr Oliver Scanlan

Climate Fellow, Sustainable Security Programme
Dr Tim Street

Nuclear Fellow, Sustainable Security Programme
Mouin Rabbani

Consultant
Dr Refqa Abu-Remaileh

Consultant to the Palestine-Israel Projects
Dr Tony Klug

Special Advisor on the Middle East to the Oxford Research Group
Gabrielle Rifkind

Senior Consultant, Preventive Diplomacy
Marwa Baabbad

Project Manager - Yemen, Strategic Peacebuilding Programme

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 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.