SOAS University of London’s disarmament initiative invites arms industry actors to partake in a series of open dialogues.

It is a universal aspiration enshrined in Article I of the UN Charter “to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace,” and that no human being should suffer from war and other forms of armed violence. With this common goal in mind, the Strategic Concept for the Removal of Arms and Proliferation -SCRAP Weapons project- at SOAS University of London is keen to seek pragmatic and constructive dialogue with weapons industry actors.

Negotiating a future of global general and complete disarmament (GCD) as mandated by Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, can only be achieved through open and equitable exchanges with all active stakeholders in international security matters. 

Through a series of conversations, SCRAP Weapons aims to provide an insight into the arms industry, its preoccupations and own understanding of its role in the world. Global rules exist to ensure human safety, led in part by the entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty in 2014. Yet the question remains: in what ways are these being upheld by stakeholders within the industry?

The project will explore the themes and issues relating to a complex industry by seeking to understand what key challenges actors are facing to meet expectations of ethical conduct, creating space for conversations that lead towards a safer and more peaceful world.

Our three sessions  will focus on the following topics:

1. A glimpse into the laws and regulations governing the arms trade.
2. Bridging the way forward with research and development in disarmament technologies.
3. Narrowing the gap between social responsibilities and on the ground realities.

Read more about the webinars here.