Report of the 2012-2013 Graduate Research Awards Debates on Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation

Position papers presented by the recipients of the 2012-2013 Graduate Research Awards in Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation (GRA) at the GRA Debates
John G. Diefenbaker Building, DFAIT
Ottawa, Canada
February 22, 2013

The Graduate Research Awards for Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation is a joint programme of The Simons Foundation and the International Security Research and Outreach Programme of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) (formerly Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada) with the primary objective to enhance Canadian graduate level scholarship on non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament (NACD) issues.

Eight candidates were selected to receive a cash award of $3,000 and present their position papers on the following topics at the GRA Debates at DFAIT Headquarters in Ottawa on February 22, 2013.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament: “Be it resolved that given the recent progress that has been made in the advancement of nuclear disarmament, the international community needs to focus greater attention on putting in place nuclear non-proliferation measures to address proliferation challenges, including by non-state actors and states of proliferation concern.”

Commercialization of Space: “Be it resolved that the commercialization of space will provide a net benefit to space security, in terms of the secure and sustainable access to, and uses of, outer space, and freedom from space-based and space-enabled threats.”

Membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group: “Be it resolved that the objectives of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) would be best achieved by expanding the Group to include the states which remain outside of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

Transparency and Freedom of Information for Dual-Use Research:  “Be it resolved that proliferation and security concerns should not trump transparency and freedom of information when publishing dual-use biological, chemical, or nuclear research, when there are likely to be positive benefits for humankind arising from such research.” (e.g. recent studies with biological agents that could have both positive and negative public health implications.)

See the Report of the 2012-2013 Graduate Research Awards Debates on Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation for the position papers presented by this year's GRA recipients and more information on the GRA programme.