Will nanotech be good or bad for peace and security?
It could be very bad. Molecular manufacturing will function as a force multiplier for any military that possesses it. First strike options may be seen as more viable than before. The small size, portability, and rapid potential for proliferation will make nano-built weaponry difficult to control and hard to keep out of the hands of terrorists. Needless to say, thesedangersare a major factor in motivating CRN to call for urgent research into solutions.
Why develop MM at all then? As statedabove, it appears inevitable that MM will be developed somewhere, and probably soon. Moreover, anattempted global shutdownof development would not assure anyone's safety or security. Rather, it would drive research underground and could result in a dangerous and unstable black market in arms.