On 20 November, the 21st Century School hosted a high-level symposium to discuss the future of the UK's Trident nuclear system. The event was convened by the 21st Century School’s Policy Foresight Programme and the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict.
This is an opportune moment to consider the future of Trident, as Britain must shortly decide whether to renew its nuclear deterrence system. At the same time the 'global zero' campaign for the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons and the shifting priorities of the Obama administration create a space in which to think about a reduction in nuclear stocks.
Chaired by Sir Crispin Tickell, Director of the Policy Foresight Programme, this meeting attracted some of the most high profile participants in the debate on the future of Trident, including leading academics, high ranking military personnel, senior civil servants and government advisors. Discussion focused on the legal and ethical issues involved, in particular how potential opportunities for disarmament can be balanced against countervailing risks and obligations.
A report of the symposium will be available shortly.
Related Links and Resources
- Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict
- Policy Foresight Programme
- Coming soon: read the summary report