Disarmament: a scientist's view.

We find ourselves at the turn of the twentieth century - a century in which man has not only landed on the moon, but also made significant advances in interplanetary exploration. The era of computers and satellite communication has transformed society in a way never before envisaged. The advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering have opened new avenues, with potentials to treat and/or eliminate diseases and revolutionize agricultural production. Science continues to provide new materials for diverse uses by society. These achievements should make man proud.

We also find ourselves in a century that has seen two world wars, a series of civil wars, internal conflicts, international terrorism, urban violence, environmental degradation and the spectre of total annihilation. There have been no less than 170 wars worldwide during the past 50 years. The world's oceans are contaminated by chemical weapons which have been dumped at sea. Radioactive material and other poisons used in the manufacture of weapons have polluted rivers, soil and underground water reserves. Forty per cent of deaths worldwide are now believed to be caused by environmental pollution and degradation. Militarism, including the manufacture and testing of weapons, has contributed its share to this state of affairs. This is a legacy that man should be ashamed of.

Before we start talking about disarmament, we should tackle the issue of whether or not there is a justifiable need for creating the weapons in the first place. One justification that is often thrown is national security, or the need to preserve or safeguard national sovereignty against potential aggressors. However, this is an untenable argument, since there are no winners if and when nuclear wars are waged between the so-called nuclear Powers. The entire world would be at risk of total annihilation.

In a world with over 1 billion people living in "absolute poverty", and where hunger and disease are so rampant, nations are trading in arms to the nine of $750 billion annually - a sum which could wipe out the national debt of the world's 40 poorest countries. Countries, which year after year are in the grip of widespread famine, are spending their meager earnings for the procurement of arms in preparation for wars that would add misery to an already impoverished, war-weary and emaciated populace. Where have our priorities gone?

Perhaps scientists, politicians, businessmen and others should complete their education with an oath similar to the Hippocratic Oath made by physicians when they graduate. They should vow not to avail themselves to the manufacture and distribution of weapons, and that they would aspire to resolve conflicts through peaceful means rather than through armed struggle. But promises are simply words unless they stem from conviction.

There must be a code of ethics for every profession. Each profession should include training not only on ethics, but also on "good" governance, human rights and respect for people's cultures and religions, man's responsibility for the diversity of species and for the environment, the role of man in the universe, and the lessons to bc learnt from the past violent history of the world. One should inculcate the culture of dialogue rather than aggressive confrontation, and of respect for the rule of law. It would be folly if the very countries that created the United Nations - an organization established to help eliminate wars and foster peace - were at the same time at war with each other.

It is difficult to comprehend the logic of countries that rush to develop and test nuclear weapons, and then declare soon after that they are ready to sign the nuclear NonProliferation Treaty. Was all the effort, time and money spent only to prove that they are indeed nuclear Powers? Are we supposed to praise their magnanimity in learning of their commitment to the treaty?

In both man's achievements and his history of war and violence, the scientist has had some role to play. The physicist's genius that led to the unravelling of matter and the atom has also contributed to the development of nuclear weapons. The chemist's skill in synthesizing new materials, pesticides, etc. has also led to chemicals that can be used as weapons which can maim or kill mankind. The biologist's quest for an understanding of the natural world has also contributed to an identification of micro-organisms that can be used as biological weapons. And hence all the accomplishments of man that have really transformed the world into a place that is fit for generations to come have at the same time spawned the seeds that may lead to its extermination.

But one should not generalize and categorically state that it is the scientist who should shoulder the major burden of the blame when it comes to armament. The scientist is but one member of the society. People themselves need to be properly educated so that they appreciate the nature of religion, ideology, race, ethnicity, culture and the need for peaceful coexistence. The world is composed of diverse people with diverse outlooks and beliefs. Yet, we are one; we are a unique species, alone in an infinite universe. We need to educate the peoples of the world of our uniqueness and our oneness. People must also be taught to realize that it is within their means to avoid the pitfalls of their past violent history and that "those who fail to learn from history will be condemned to re-live it".

Perhaps the greatest burden of all falls on political leaders, since they can use their pulpits to sway a nation towards disarmament rather than armament, or towards peace rather than war. In many countries, it is the political leaders who have the power to lead their respective countries towards peace or war, whereas civilians have the unenviable fate of being the major victims of any armed conflict. Although the world is rightly concerned with the proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, it has now been abundantly clear that conventional arms and light weapons have been most destructive. About 45 million people are estimated to have died through wars since the end of the Second World War. Yet, there does not seem to be international systems or treaties concerning the manufacture or sale of conventional weapons. The current stockpile of conventional arms and light weapons has already reached alarming proportions. In some countries in Africa, it is estimated that there is one weapon for at least two people in the population.

The possession of arms does not guarantee peace. Nor is it an indication of national strength. One is, in fact, reminded of the African proverb: "If amassing spears were a sign of bravery, then the porcupine would be the greatest warrior."

The United Nations itself has to be empowered to act decisively in its peacekeeping efforts and in penalizing aggressors. It must strive to deserve the respect of the countries that have voluntarily chosen it to be their arbitrator. The strength of the United Nations could serve as a deterrent to those who are tempted to act with impunity. The annual meetings of the United Nations General Assembly could also serve as a forum where political leaders renew their oath for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and reaffirm their commitment to peace and disarmament.

The nations of the world each crave for a compassionate leader with an infinite patience and tolerance, a leader with the wisdom to lead a country towards peace, stability and productivity, a leader with a humility emanating from an understanding about the role and responsibility of leadership, and a leader with an inspiring integrity. Such a creature is not a myth. It is within man's power to rise above his frailty and to conquer his pride, greed and violence. All it takes is understanding and conviction - conviction that man is indeed created in the image of God!

Disarmament is not an option! Nor should it be an expression of the magnanimity of the mighty. Disarmament is an affirmation of man's belief that the world and all its parts deserve to exist in all the glory, beauty and tranquillity that have been their birthright since creation.

Professor Theodros Solomon is Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He contributed this article at the request of the UN Chronicle.