Pugwash Meeting No. 256

Pugwash Conference: Eliminating the Causes of War
3-8 August 2000, Cambridge, England


Program Agenda

1. THE INSTITUTION OF WAR AND HUMAN NATURE
   Humans are capable of aggression, and are also capable of pro-social and altruistic behaviour. Both are subject to experiential influences in the course of socialization. What influences can suppress aggressiveness (and especially territoriality) and augment pro-social behaviour? Does aggressiveness contribute to war? What are the forces that maintain war as an acceptable means of solving conflicts?
2. THE INSTITUTION OF WAR: POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS
   Past security policies, abetted by the military-industrial-scientific complex, encouraged a culture of violence. Developed countries produce, stockpile and export huge quantities of weapons. Poor countries spend resources on arms instead of improving the standard of living of their people. Can a way be found to escape this impasse? The European Union could provide a model of harmonious co-existence in spite of ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. But could the EU countries cut back their military-industrial complexes, and reduce their military spending, without causing economic problems or diminishing their security? Is there still a need for conscription or for large standing national armed forces within the European Union?
3. RELIGION AND ETHNICITY
   These are potent causes of war. The discussion will include documented cases where religious and ethnic prejudices have contributed to conflict, and discuss the extent to which they were primary causes or adjuncts to political or economic issues. Discussion may also focus on ways to minimize the role of such prejudices, and on resolution of conflicts at an early stage.
4. POVERTY
   For a number of reasons, including the increasing globalization of the economy, the gap between rich and poor, both within and between countries, is increasing. Poverty, and especially this income gap, is a strong correlate of violence. The discussion may concentrate on the psychological and social processes by which poverty leads to violence, which may well differ between developed and under-developed countries. The main focus should be on how these processes can be inactivated.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
   Competition for natural resources, especially oil and water, coupled with the increasing world population, is an increasing cause of strife and may lead to military confrontation. It is intended to assess the magnitude of the problem, and discuss both technological and political solutions. The latter may involve both local and global issues.
6. MISUSE OF SCIENCE
   Science is a dominant factor in modern society and its misapplication may endanger the human species. Conventional wars escalating into a full-scale nuclear exchange are a continuing threat. Other weapons may be developed to provide cheaper and more readily available means of mass destruction. What measures can be taken to minimize the misuse of scientific research.