A group of Science for Peace members has developed a research proposal for a two-year study under the heading: Towards International Security — a study linking peace-building needs to available technologies. The undersigned will be the Principal Investigators. Several members of Science for Peace along with other professionals have agreed to serve, if the project is funded, on a Project Advisory Committee, on a Consultative Committee, or on a Panel of Research and Resource Personnel. A half-time Research Coordinator, Dr. Tom Clark, would be in charge of internal administration as well as external relations and communication.
The proposed study is two-track in nature, with cross-linking from the outset and an eventual synthesis of conclusions from both approaches. One track would review various international agencies and organizations and assess their experience in confidence building and conflict resolution. The second track would review the state-of-the-art in selected technologies and assess their utility in meeting needs identified in track one. The selected technologies are primarily involved in physical analysis (e.g., ultra sensitive air sampling and mass spectrometry), satellite and other surveillance technologies, and a wide range of communication technologies. The symbiotic relationship would be explored between perceived needs and technical support; the awareness of the existence of a refined technology can be itself a creative force in the development of strategies for conflict identification and resolution. A basic premise in the research is that security now is a global as much as a national problem, and that confidence building requires institutions and cognitive outlooks in support of the global public interest in an improved security for people and for human rights everywhere. Our research plan is supplemented by plans for dissemination of our findings in several kinds of media; our Consultative Committee includes several highly reputed media specialists.
The research proposal was developed in response to a new Ford Foundation programme of research support and/or support for training programmes in the field of international peace, security and arms control. Approximately 90 universities have been approached by the Ford Foundation, including the University of Toronto, and up to 20 research grants in all are contemplated. Our proposal, and two others from the University, were evaluated by a Review Committee, and then transmitted to the Ford Foundation by Vice-Provost Saywell on May 16. Site visits by Ford Foundation officials will take place some time this fall if the proposal makes a “short list”.
Christian Bay Dept. of Political Science
Lynn Trainor Depts. of Physics and Medicine
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