28 pages
228 x 145mm
ISBN-10: 0 948080 35 3
ISBN-13: 978 0 948080 35 7

This paper was prepared for a meeting of British peace groups. In the context of recent international changes the challenge for such groups is to rethink ideas and campaigning approaches.

The author suggests ideas for understanding the conditions of contemporary security and improving international relations. He examines arms and disarmament initiatives in Europe and elsewhere. He argues, finally, that peace, development and ecology groups form a benign coalition for dealing with the implications of technological change and for looking after peoples and the earth.

The theme that runs through the paper is that modern technology poses urgent problems for our times as well as creating marvellous opportunities. Technology may be used powerfully for promoting prosperity or for wreaking destruction. To cope with its consequences new thinking and reworked political and social structures are needed.

Professor James O'Connell is Head of the Department of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford. The department was founded in 1973 through Quaker initiative. It is the only university department in Britain that offers a full undergraduate and postgraduate academic programme in Peace Studies. It has become over the years one of the world centres for research on peace and conflict. Its themes of study and research include the philosophy of peace, international defence and security, peace and development, economic costs of defence policies, and regions in conflict.