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.

Wind turbines and solar panels into nuclear weapons: the UK's new industrial strategy?

UK government financial support is being cut from green industries, while there is no similar austerity for the military industrial sector. Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, examines what is happening.

Article in The Ecologist, 15 October 2015
 

 

SGR challenges government over military R&D and nuclear weapons

Scientists for Global Responsibility has submitted a response to the UK government consultation on the National Security Strategy and the Strategic Defence and Security Review. In it, we argue that the UK needs to place a much greater focus on the use of scientific and technical resources for tackling the roots of conflict rather than prioritising the development of yet more weapons technologies. We especially criticise plans for a new UK nuclear weapons system.

24 September 2015

 

Intervening in the 'rise' of the lethal autonomous weapon

Researchers in AI and robotics have called for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons, loosely termed 'killer robots'. Prof Lucy Suchman, Lancaster University, explains why she added her name to the call.

17 September 2015

New report highlights the dangers of UK nuclear weapons

Media release, 6 August 2015
 

Trident missile launch

UK nuclear weapons: a catastrophe in the making?

This report highlights the latest scientific and technical information about the risks posed by the continued deployment of Britain's submarine-based Trident nuclear weapons system.

SGR report by Dr Philip Webber and Dr Stuart Parkinson.; 6 August 2015

UK arms industry: ethical concerns and alternatives (July 2015)

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, critically examines the UK arms industry, starting with ethical issues such as nuclear weapons, the international arms trade and influence over UK security policy. He then considers the potential for alternatives - including less aggressive approaches to international security and expansion of civilian employment, including low carbon technologies.

Presentation at the 37th NJPN conference, Derbyshire, UK; 18 July 2015
 

Why now is the right time to abolish the UK's nuclear weapons

Politicians are debating updating the UK's ageing Trident weapons system, but security and money pressures make renewal wrong, says Dr Philip Webber, SGR

Article in New Scientist, 28 May 2015
 

Military-university collaborations in the UK – an update

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, reviews recent developments in military involvement at UK universities.

Article for INES report (advance publication), 13 April 2015
 

Too Close for Comfort: Cases of Near Nuclear Use and Options for Policy

Sasan Aghlani, Chatham House, outlines just how close the world has come to the inadvertent use of nuclear weapons in the last 60 years – and suggests some immediate measures to reduce the risks.

Article from SGR Newsletter no.43; online publication: 3 April 2015
 

Image © M Torres - destroyed tank in Iraq

Challenging the mindset of war

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, critically assesses new UK and Western military initiatives, and how engineers and scientists can be involved in challenging the cycle of violence.

Article from SGR Newsletter no.43; online publication: 27 February 2015