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.

Total spending on UK nuclear weapons R&D revealed

Press release, 10 February 2014
 

Rethinking security: from projecting power to preventing problems

Dr Chris Langley, SGR, examines how two factors - the embrace of corporate partners by science and technology university departments and the erosion of distinctions between the military and the police - have contributed to disturbing security trends in the UK and elsewhere. The root causes of insecurity meanwhile go unaddressed.

Article published on openDemocracy website, 19 December 2013
 

Top books on science, technology and politics from the last 21 years

Dr Stuart Parkinson picks his choice of the best non-fiction books of recent years to mark SGR’s 21st anniversary.

Article from SGR Newsletter no.42, autumn 2013; published online: 19 December 2013
 

Scientists criticise arms industry sponsorship of Edinburgh science festival

Press release and open letter, 13 December 2013
 

Nobel Physicians Warn Two Billion at Risk from Nuclear Famine

Press release, 10 December 2013

(in association with the International Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons)
 

Offensive Security: Why it’s a Problem

Most approaches to global security are based on the idea that insecurity can be controlled through military force. We should be tackling threats such as climate change, economic injustice and resource depletion instead, argues Dr Chris Langley, SGR.

Article for New Left Project website, 4 December 2013
 

From Offensive Insecurity to Sustainable Security: The Role of Science and Technology

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, argues that current funding patterns of R&D in the UK support a militaristic approach to dealing with security problems. He makes the case for a shift in funding to R&D which helps to tackle the roots of conflict, including climate change.

Presentation at SGR conference, London, 16 November 2013, and in Kendal, Cumbria, 30 November 2013

 

Humanitarian problems from the use of nuclear weapons - and some solutions?

Dr Philip Webber, SGR, outlines the catastrophic humanitarian and climatic consequences should nuclear weapons ever be used, particularly focusing on the consequences if the UK fired its Trident nuclear missiles. He also discusses some hopeful signs for international nuclear disarmament.

Presentation at SGR conference, London, 16 November 2013
 

Why engineers should lead calls to rebalance defence R&D priorities

New analysis has revealed how much the funding of research into military technology outweighs spending to tackle the roots of conflict, says Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR

Article in Engineering and Technology Magazine, 11 November 2013
 

Military R&D: Is it helping or hindering our security?

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, argues that contrary to popular belief there are numerous reasons why military research and development is not helping to improve security, and makes the case for alternatives.

Presentation at York University, 23 October 2013