Remote Control Project, Oxford Research Group

Who we are

Remote Control is a project of the Network for Social Change hosted by Oxford Research Group. We are a research and policy team focussed on defence and security.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted in a huge backlash in public opinion around Western military interventions. Combined with major developments in military technology over the last decade, British security is now relying more heavily on so-called remote warfare.

By deploying drones, special operations forces and private contractors, Western powers are able to counter threats from a distance and without the use of traditional ‘boots on the ground’ forces. Such tactics allow the British government to avoid the usual parliamentary and public scrutiny involved in a conventional military intervention.

We commission and conduct research focusing on the effectiveness, consequences and costs of remote warfare, and brings together experts to facilitate the exchange of information. Through research and outreach, we generate evidence-based policy recommendations that promote more effective, accountable and sustainable approaches to defence and security.