Stimson’s Conventional Defense Program seeks to reduce risk and minimize harm associated with the global arms trade. Reducing illicit arms trafficking and irresponsible weapons trade increases stability and security, upholds the values of human rights, protects civilians, and promotes multilateral cooperation. Stimson focuses on the U.S. and international arms trade, the export and use of armed drones, the provision of military assistance to governments using and supporting the use of child soldiers, and the development of international norms and standards to regulate the trade in and use of conventional weapons.
Highlighting key discussion points and issues for consideration to advance the priority theme of the Tenth Conference of States Parties to the ATT
March 25, 2024
While the Department of Defense needs to develop concepts that narrowly detail civilian harm, they also need to match reality on the ground
March 13, 2024
A look back on U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and how the risks may evolve going forward two years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine
February 21, 2024
Leveraging new data to examine the nexus between U.S. arms sales, military assistance, and child soldiers
February 12, 2024
A look at how a bill raising the value threshold for arms sales notifications poses a risk to congressional and public oversight
February 1, 2024
What the Biden administration's emergency arms sales to Israel say about congressional oversight
January 8, 2024
Considering the importance of a more responsible, restrained, and arms trade on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
December 4, 2023
A guide to the humanitarian law conditions on U.S. arms sales and security assistance to Israel
November 20, 2023
Copyright The Henry L. Stimson Center