Citation

Gildea T, Pierce G. Nonprolif. Rev. 2007; 14(1): 1-31.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10736700601178432

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The impact of small arms and light weapons (SALW) trafficking on civilian populations has received increasing attention from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, national governments, and international organizations. Within the last 10 years it has been internationally recognized that the proliferation of SALW to areas of civil conflict has led to what the Red Cross describes as “appalling levels of wanton violence.” Concurrent with the increased focus on the destructiveness of SALW is the realization that present national and international import/export regulatory systems are inadequate to meet the challenge of controlling the proliferation of these weapons. Needed in this area of study is more specific information and policy guidance regarding the best methods and practices for implementing effective SALW trafficking controls. In response to the international SALW trafficking problem, this article provides a comprehensive framework to assess the development and operation of international small arms control regimes. It uses the U.S. export control regime as a case study to document, assess, and benchmark how import/export control systems can be optimally employed to control the international SALW trade.