Einsteins heritage: The social responsibility of physicists and global nuclear disarmament

2005 is the 50th birthday of the Russell-Einstein-Manifesto which triggered workshops by scientists, such as Pugwash, to study the problem of nuclear weapons and nuclear disarmament. Following some general remarks on my understanding of the social responsibility of scientists, I would like to discuss the problem of nuclear weapons. These pose a continuing threat to humanity, but the problem has the virtue, that, in contrast with other major problems facing our society, it could be solved easily. The chief responsibility for this is with the United Sates, to lead the disarmament of the nuclearweapons states, but Germany and other non nuclear weapons states could help with a not insignificant contribution.