Our research papers
Since 2009, Science for Peace has promoted and commissioned a number of research papers on military expenditure and the single army. All research results and materials can be downloaded from this section of our website.
1- "Reducing military expenditure: the economic aspects. Evidence from the EU"
The research, commissioned to the Bocconi University in 2009, looked into the issue of arm spending and the economic consequences of a hypothetical 5% reduction in the military expenditure by EU governments. Results show that such a reduction would lead to significant savings in economic resources, without compromising the GDP of each country. Prospects of a reduction in military expenditure seem therefore particularly favorable.
2- "EU crisis management: Institutions and capabilities in the making"
In 2010, the EU Working Group on crisis management and conflict prevention requested the Institute of International Affairs of Rome to analyze the instruments and capabilities of the European Union in terms of crisis management and conflict prevention. The research looked into recent developments and future scenarios of the EU security model, from crisis prevention to post-conflict reconstruction. The paper led to eight proposals for closer coordination between the different components -- politics and diplomacy, military and civil sectors -- of the European Union action for the promotion of peace and stability.
Read the research paper:
"EU crisis management: institutions and capabilities in the making"
3- "Armaments: an unprofitable investment"
The research, carried out by experts coordinated by the Italian Disarmament Network, was presented during the third World Conference of Science for Peace in November 2011. The paper aims at providing confirmed data -- collected throughout several years of research -- on the military sector and conflicts, strengthening the grounds for a real disarmament. The research shows how military expenditure is hugely inflated not only in absolute terms, but especially in relation to the actual requirements and advantages it produces at the diplomatic and security levels.
Read the research paper:
"Armaments: an unprofitable investment"
