WarPod Ep #8 | International Engagement in the Sahel

27 January 2020

In the first of a two-part podcast series on security in the Sahel, Abigail Watson is joined by Delina Goxho and Flore Berger to discuss the international engagement in the region.

Latest

Security in the DRC and Yemen: Military Conflict, Disease Outbreak and Containment

This briefing examines the effect of military conflict on the response (and vice versa) to Ebola and COVID-19 in DRC and Yemen, respectively.
Mistrust, Misinformation and Community Engagement: Reflections on lessons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen

This briefing examines the mistrust, misinformation and community engagement during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks in the DRC and Yemen, respectively.
Women’s Experiences of Disease Outbreaks in Conflict: Reflections on lessons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen

This briefing will explore the challenges facing women and girls in each of these contexts. It will first examine the response of the international community in the DRC, and identify key challenges to Congolese women.
Background Briefing - Military Conflict, Disease Outbreak and Containment: A Comparative Study of Yemen and DRC

This is the first briefing in a series released by the Oxford Research Group’s (ORG) Strategic Peacebuilding Programme. These briefings examine the lessons that can be drawn from the response to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and how they can be applied in the response to COVID-19 in Yemen.

A Story of ORG: Oliver Ramsbotham

In this episode, ORG interviews Oliver Ramsbotham, Emeritus Professor at Bradford University and a Senior Advisor to Oxford Research Group's Strategic Peacebuilding Programme. We discuss Professor Ramsbotham’s work with Oxford Research Group, particularly his role in developing Collective Strategic Thinking, an approach that has heavily influenced the work of the Strategic Peacebuilding Programme in Yemen and Israel-Palestine.
A Story of ORG: Gabrielle Rifkind

In this episode ORG interview Gabrielle Rifkind, a senior advisor to the Oxford Research Group’s Strategic Peacebuilding Programme, which she founded as the Middle East Programme in 2002. She is now the Director of Oxford Process. We discuss Gabrielle's work in preventive diplomacy and her crucial role in the development of Oxford Research Group’s Middle East Programme.
A Story of ORG: Scilla Elworthy

In a special series of podcasts, ORG talks with people involved in the development and evolution of ORG in its early days. In this episode, ORG interviews Dr. Scilla Ellworthy, who founded ORG in 1982 and was its Executive Director until 2003.
A Story of ORG: Paul Rogers

In a special series of podcasts, ORG talks with people involved in the development and evolution of ORG from its early days. In this episode, ORG interviews Paul Rogers about his impressive career in the field of international security and his crucial role in the development of the Oxford Research Group.
PS21 Event Podcast: What Does “Security” Mean in 2020?

As Covid-19 reshapes the world and Britain begins its Integrated Defence and Security Review, what does the word “security” really mean in 2020
WarPod Ep #21 | Dissecting the Overseas Operations Bill

Abigail Watson is joined by Camilla Molyneux and Mark Goodwin-Hudson to discuss the Overseas Operations Bill.
WarPod Ep #20 | Incorporating the Protection of Civilians into UK Policy

Megan Karlshoej-Pedersen is joined by Ewan Lawson, an ORG Fellow, and Save the Children's Amanda Brydon to discuss the importance of incorporating a strong focus on the protection of civilians into UK policy.
Questions for the Integrated Review #3: How Should the UK Measure Success?

Ahead of the Integrated Review, this final briefing in a series looks at how the UK should measure the success of military interventions.
A Call for Dialogue: The Dangers of Polarisation in the Special Forces Debate

Drawing upon extensive research, this piece calls for a healthier level of debate on the issue of UK Special Forces oversight.
WarPod Ep #19 | Partner Operations and the Importance of Legitimacy

Hijab Shah of CSIS and Dorith Kool from HCSS join the Remote Warfare Programme team to discuss partner legitimacy, security force assistance and security sector reform.

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 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.

Further Reading