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.

A new era for arms conversion?

Stuart Parkinson, SGR, argues that recently announced military cuts coupled with an expanding ‘green’ sector suggest the start of major shift in the UK economy.

Article from SGR Newsletter No. 39, winter 2011 (published online: 26 January 2011)
 

The Strategic Defence and Security Review – missing the point?

Paul Rogers, University of Bradford, argues that only with a fundamental change in approach will the UK’s defence and security strategies be ‘fit for purpose’.

Article from SGR Newsletter No. 39, winter 2011 (published online: 26 January 2011)
 

A few words from the Director (Jan 11)

Stuart Parkinson, SGR, examines the government’s spending cuts.

Article from SGR Newsletter No. 39, winter 2011 (published online: 26 January 2011)
 

Armed drones: how remote-controlled, high-tech weapons are used against the poor

David Hookes, SGR, explores the ethical and legal implications of the growing use of armed, unmanned planes in the 'war against terrorism'.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 39, winter 2011

 

Arms conversion for a sustainable society (Nov 2010)

Presentation by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, at the AGM of Sheffield Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, 17 November 2010.

A similar presentation was given at Lancaster University on 2 December 2010.
 

Science and technology: making a difference

Science and technology have contributed to huge changes over the last century and longer. But are the costs of these changes now outweighing the benefits? And if so, what should be done?

Presentation by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, at 'What is science for?' seminar, Manchester Metropolitan University, 16 October 2010
 

Engineers and social responsibility: the big issues

Article by Stuart Parkinson, SGR, in UNESCO report, Engineering: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development, published 14 October 2010.
 

Scientists call for axe to fall on nuclear weapons research

Press release, 13 October 2010
 

Letter to David Cameron, regarding public science funding cuts and nuclear weapons research

Open letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, co-ordinated by SGR and signed by 36 UK professors, sent 13 October 2010
 

UK science funding: SGR letters

Summary of SGR letters to the Science Minister, David Willets, and the Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable, regarding possible cuts to UK science spending (early September).