The Stimson Center screened the critically acclaimed documentary The Notorious Mr. Bout. The screening featured introductory remarks from film directors Tony Gerber and Maxim Pozdorovkin, and was followed by a panel discussion reflecting on the legacy of Viktor Bout and the key – often secretive – aspects of the international arms trade.
For more than 20 years, Viktor Bout facilitated weapons deliveries to some of the world’s deadliest conflict zones, including those in Angola, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Known by many as “the Merchant of Death,” Bout gained international attention due to his relations and dealings with known warlords and rebel groups, becoming one of the most notorious arms traffickers in modern history. His activities and subsequent conviction shed light on the dark underpinnings of the global arms trade and the shady world of arms brokering that became synonymous with Bout’s name.
WHAT: Screening and discussion of the film The Notorious Mr. Bout.
Watch the video below
Introductory remarks by film directors Tony Gerber and Maxim Pozdorovkin
Discussion featuring:
William Argue, Foreign Advisor with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Non-proliferation, Export and Border Related Security Program (ISN/EXBS) and former Unit Chief of Homeland Security Investigations Counter-Proliferation and Export Enforcement Investigations program
John Shiffman, Investigative Reporter for Reuters and author of Operation Shakespeare: The True Story of an Elite International Sting
Meredith Sundlof, Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of State, Regional Affairs and Analysis, Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy
Rachel Stohl (Moderator), Senior Associate, Stimson Center
This event was made possible by the generous contribution of Thomas Shooltz.
