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.

Keeping nuclear weapons or tackling climate change?

Presentation by Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, at a seminar organised by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, at the Houses of Parliament in December, 2006

The presentation uses government and industry data to carry out a new analysis of the degree to which Trident replacement could undermine action on climate change. It concludes there is significant threat - due to competition for both funding and skills.
 

The Future of the Strategic Nuclear Deterrent - the UK manufacturing and skills base: SGR Response

Submission to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, November 2006
 

Missile Defence - general implications of UK involvement

Notes of a presentation given by Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, for "Missile Defence and the Weaponisation of Space: Why Britain's role must be challenged", House of Commons, 18 October 2006
 

Divert military finance to fund Lord Rees' new energy research initiative

Press release, 4 August 2006
 

Challenging the nuclear future

Philip Webber and Stuart Parkinson summarise the recent developments surrounding nuclear weapons and nuclear power in the UK.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006

 

From space weapons to basic human needs – technology and the security agenda

Dave Webb, Leeds Metropolitan University, argues that the huge imbalance between the resources available to the military and those devoted to meeting basic human needs urgently has to change. As an illustration of the misdirection of scientific and technological effort, he discusses some of the latest military technologies such as space weapons.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Building confidence in the nuclear age

Alan Cottey, University of East Anglia, recommends a new look at Niels Bohr’s early ideas concerning openness on nuclear issues as a path to international confidence and a new world order.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 32, June 2006
 

Soldiers in the laboratory: what are the ethical issues?

Presentation to the Café Scientifique in Brighton by Dr Chris Langley, SGR, on 16 May 2006
 

Critical Paths

12 inspiring cases of ethical careers in science and technology

Booklet edited by Stuart Parkinson and Vanessa Spedding; April 2006

12 scientists and engineers tell of their experiences in trying to follow an ethical career. The cases cover a wide range of issues relating to the environment, social justice, the military, and animal welfare.

 

Trident, technology and democracy

Notes for a presentation by Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, for a Demos seminar, held in London on 30 March 2006