Arms Transfers in 2013–2025

Abstract

Trade in conventional arms is one of the key issues in international military relations, while also being closely linked to the political and economic spheres. Its scope includes export, import, transit, transshipment, and brokering, collectively referred to as “transfer.” Owing to its specifi c nature, arms trade contributes to the development and strengthening of states’ military capabilities. At the same time, however, this process may also fuel arms races and generate military threats, thereby aff ecting the level of both international and national security. Paradoxically, it accounts for only a fraction of total global trade, approximately 1%. In this context, an important issue concerns eff orts to regulate arms transfers. Measures undertaken within the framework of the United Nations since the early 1990s have addressed the registration and control of exports and imports of conventional arms. Particular attention has been paid to the international transfer of small arms and light weapons. A signifi cant instrument in the control of conventional arms transfers is the Arms Trade Treaty, which entered into force on 24 December 2014; however, it has not been signed or ratifi ed by a number of states that are major exporters or importers of arms.