May 2018
The recent paper by Adriaan van der Meer, a retired Official of the European Commission (EC) currently participating in the EC's Active Senior program, represents the first publication under the VCDNP European Non-Proliferation and Security Initiative (ENSI), which aims to provide support to the European community in relation to global non-proliferation efforts and challenges. Adriaan van der Meer, who prior to retirement managed the EU Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation and the long term component of the EU Instrument for Stability and Peace at the European Commission in Brussels, argues for new and flexible forms of cooperation to better cope with current non-proliferation challenges. The paper examines new and rapidly emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and offers recommendations for how to deal with the changing security environment.
Exert from the paper:
“Within the current times of the fourth industrial revolution, the scientific community has a special duty of care (i.e. a ‘duty of care 4.0’) to ensure that security aspects are accounted for in scientific thinking from the beginning of work. Such an approach is especially important when research and development include chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) agents and materials but also where they involve new sensitive technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). New emerging technologies must remain secure and peaceful.
The recommendations made in this paper are derived from a brief description of the current state of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) non-proliferation including setbacks perceived by the author from his time with the European Commission where he had responsibilities regarding this challenge. In making the argument for expanded bottom-up efforts, this paper does not seek to minimise the importance of the top-down (legally-binding) efforts in strengthening WMD non-proliferation. Indeed, the EU has been and must continue to be a champion and a norm-setter for such measures on the international stage. Instead, these recommendations are based on the need to recognise emerging challenges and to address the human dimension of the non-proliferation policies in connection with these challenges.
Instead, this paper makes the case for the expanded use of ‘Science Centres’ as a tool to promote bottom-up engagement of scientists. This paper is not alone in acknowledging the advantages of the Science Centres model, such as the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), established in Moscow and currently operating in Kazakhstan, as a tool to adapt to evolving changes in the security landscape. However, in general, the role of the Centres in promoting safety and security deserve stronger recognition and increased financial support.”
Continue reading the full article here.
The views expressed in the paper are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the views of the VCDNP.
Photo Credit: Bovee and Thill 
