Disarmament

Informing academic and policy debates about diplomatic, technical, political factors that influence moves towards nuclear disarmament

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017) has reinvigorated debate around nuclear disarmament. Longstanding work conducted by the Centre for Science and Security Studies (CSSS) explores a broad range of issues impacting the politics and potential practice of disarmament.

Dr Heather Williams leads a series of research projects looking at the intersection of nuclear disarmament and nuclear deterrence. In the context of the NPT, this research explores opportunities for bridge-building between nuclear possessors and non-possessors, between supporters and opponents of the TPNW, and between states and NGOs. The research also explores ways for nuclear possessors and states under a "nuclear umbrella" to fulfil their disarmament commitments while continuing to rely on deterrence for security reasons. The projects tackle difficult ethical question associated with nuclear deterrence. This research touches on policy relevant questions and research findings have contributed to the nuclear policies of numerous nuclear possessors and NATO states, the Conference on Disarmament, and the NPT.
Dr Hassan Elbahtimy and Dr Heather Williams serve as non-governmental facilitators for the Creating and Environment for Nuclear Disarmament (CEND) initiative. They are both associated with the subgroup exploring opportunities to strengthen institutions and mechanisms associated with nuclear disarmament. They work directly with the co-chairs and other state participants and conduct original research to inform working group discussions.
Research led by Professor Matthew Moran to explore the impact of human factors at the operational level, with a future verification system for nuclear warhead dismantlement. This empirical research built on the UK-Norway Initiative (UKNI) and adopted a simulation-based approach that identified some of the key dynamics, requirements and challenges associated with dismantlement verification.Major findings were published in the book, ‘Trust in Nuclear Disarmament Verification’ (Palgrave, 2018).

Latest Publications

Get Connected

Nuclear Bridge Building

What common ground exists between supporters and opponents of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)? The 2017 TPNW was a manifestation of the frustration within the global nuclear regime with the lack of progress towards disarmament.