The Oxford Research Group (ORG) is a leading independent think-tank that has been influential for 30 years in pioneering the idea of sustainable approaches to security as an alternative to violent global confrontation, through original research, wide-ranging dialogue, and practical policy recommendations. Read more »
Programmes
Middle East
Our innovative work provides new approaches to the shifting landscape of conflict in the Middle East through the perspectives of human security and conflict resolution.
Sustainable Security
We analyse the long-term drivers of global insecurity to effect a substantial shift in government and public understandings of the major threats to security in the 21st century.
Every Casualty
We work to enhance the capacity, clarify the legal framework, and build the political will to record details of every single casualty of armed conflict throughout the world.
Publications
November 2011
At a time of renewed media speculation about the possibility of an Israeli military strike on Iran over its nuclear programme and ahead of today’s IAEA report, Oxford Research Group (ORG) is publishing its briefing 'The Long-term Consequences of an Israeli Attack on Iran'. The briefing by ORG’s Global Security Consultant, Professor Paul Rogers, builds on his widely quoted report, 'Military Action Against Iran: Impact and Effects' from July 2010.
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Paul Rogers writes a monthly briefing for the Oxford Research Group. See all of Paul’s monthly briefings in the Archive »
Date: April 2012
Nigeria: The Generic Context of the Boko Haram Violence
A series of major attacks in Nigeria in April are presumed to be the work of militants from the Boko Haram movement. There is little sign that extensive and rigorous police and army action against Boko Haram has had any effect in curbing the movement. Indeed, it may be stimulating further support, leading in turn to increased international concerns over the longer-term prospects for stability in Africa’s most populous country.
With much written about the movement over the past year, this briefing focuses on the role of economic and political marginalisation in fostering violence. For over a decade, Oxford Research Group has sought to analyse what may be termed “revolts from the margins”, and there may be a sense in which Boko Haram relates to this concept.
Afghanistan
We are working to develop alternative approaches to the war in Afghanistan. This includes making proposals for a political process that leads to a genuine peace and also campaigning so that to that civilian casualties are recognised and recorded.
Liddite Conversations
Our Liddite Conversations invite expert analysts and senior journalists, who focus on areas of the world affected by conflict to explore the key causes of conflict and political violence.
The name captures the phrase 'Liddism', coined by Professor Paul Rogers and describes the pressure cooker effect, which results from 'keeping a lid' on global security problems, instead of addressing the root causes of conflict and political violence.