Issues: Security and disarmament

Security and disarmament

SGR produces a range of resources on the issue of 'security and disarmament'. This covers military technologies, arms control and disarmament (esp. nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, ‘Missile Defense’, conventional weapons) - as well as alternative concepts of security, peace building and conflict prevention.

Scientists and engineers have a central role in the development of weapons and therefore share a special responsibilty to society. SGR's project work has investigated the extensive influence that the military has over science and technology.

Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) today called upon the UK government to stop lobbying against a UN resolution to carry out new research on the potential impacts of nuclear war. The research would be the first UN study on this topic since the 1980s.

29 October 2024

Dr Philip Webber, SGR, updates earlier analysis of the considerable humanitarian impacts of the war in Gaza, including probable genocide. In particular, he summarises the role of the arms industries in the USA, UK, and elsewhere.

22 October 2024

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, summarises the flaws in recent military claims that new arms technologies will markedly reduce civilian casualties or environmental impacts.

10 September 2024

Dr Philip Webber, SGR, warns that another nuclear power plant is at major risk as the war enters new territory - and this plant includes Chernobyl-type reactors.

22 August 2024

 

 

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, outlines the history of military involvement in UK universities, from the early 20th century to the present day.

20 June 2024

 

Leading SGR figures outline some policy recommendations for the incoming British government on issues including climate change, energy, military and security, and AI.

18 June 2024 (updated)
 

In this podcast, Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, Olivia Hanks, Green New Deal Group, and Larry Attree, Rethinking Security, discuss Earth system tipping points, Green New Deal proposals, and military v climate spending.

7 June 2024

Andrew Simms, SGR, summarises the overlooked extremism of mainstream political positions on climate breakdown, militarism, and false technological solutions.

20 May 2024

The Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine houses the largest nuclear power station in Europe. It is currently in an intensely fought war zone. Dr Philip Webber, SGR, explains some of the risks of radiation releases that this poses, both nationally and internationally.

17 April 2024 (updated)

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, looks at the ways in which our use of military-friendly language and our acceptance of military funding and branding - including in science and technology - can increase society's acceptance of war.

12 April 2024