The Small Arms Trade - Softcover

Schroeder, Matthew; Smith, Dan; Stohl, Rachel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 185168476X ISBN 13: 9781851684762

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 2006

Synopsis

Small Arms are responsible for over half a million deaths each year. Despite this terrifying statistic, millions of guns flow into the streets of the world each year. It is a multi-billion dollar industry, and one which is barely regulated.

From AK-47s to M16 rifles; from Terrorist-owned shoulder-fired missiles to child soldiers, this enlightening guide reveals the disturbing reality behind the murky underworld of international arms trading. Explaining how deals can often operate on the edge of legality, and listing the world’s main players, it goes on to ask how the exchange of small arms can be tightened in the future. Full of insight and anticipating the danger of ever lighter and more powerful weapons, this is required reading for anyone who wishes to understand the world today and one of the key threats to development, prosperity and international peace.

About this title

About the Author

Rachel Stohl is Senior Analyst at the Center for Defense Information at the World Security Institute in Washington, DC.
Matt Schroeder is the Manager of the Arms Sales Monitoring Project at the Federation of American Scientists.
Colonel Dan Smith is the Senior Fellow on Military Affairs at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. He retired from the US army in 1992, highly decorated.

From the Back Cover

"An indispensable reference for any reader interested in the nature and consequences of the trade in small arms."
Moises Naim – Editor of Foreign Policy and author of Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy

"A uniquely valuable book. Beginners as well as professionals and practitioners will find a great deal to learn and ponder."
Joseph P. Smaldone – former director of conventional arms nonproliferation policy, U.S. Department of State

"Countless people each year are killed or left with debilitating injuries caused by these weapons in conflicts around the globe, conflicts fuelled by the small arms trade. For those who wish to help prevent this needless suffering, this book will provide invaluable insight."
Martin Butcher – Senior Advisor for Policy and Programs, Physicians for Social Responsibility

The proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons is one of the most pressing security threats of the 21st century. From Sudanese refugees hunted by gun-toting militias to air passengers targeted by shoulder-fired missiles, no one is safe from this deadly scourge.

Providing a gripping overview of these cheap and easily obtainable weapons, the threat they pose in the wrong hands, and strategies for reining them in, this Beginner’s Guide is required reading for anyone wishing to fully understand one of today’s key threats to international peace

Rachel Stohl is Senior Analyst at the Center for Defense Information at the World Security Institute in Washington, DC.
Matt Schroeder is the Manager of the Arms Sales Monitoring Project at the Federation of American Scientists.
Colonel Dan Smith (Ret.) is the Senior Fellow on Military Affairs at the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 185168476X
• ISBN 13: 9781851684762
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 177