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.
How the mismatch between Moldova’s strategic posture and its security environment means any plausible outcome in Ukraine deepens Chisinau’s vulnerabilities
April 9, 2026
How Trump’s use of emergency powers to rush arms to the Middle East raises concerns about necessity, timing, and congressional oversight
March 23, 2026
How the more frequent and substantial revisions to U.S. conventional arms transfer policies point to a strategic drift in U.S. security cooperation approaches
February 19, 2026
A newly released U.S. arms transfers strategy elevates economic and industrial priorities at the expense of strategic and foreign policy imperatives
February 12, 2026
Examining the role and long-term impact of UN peacekeeping on the protection of children in conflict settings
February 5, 2026
What Denmark’s abortive purchase of a U.S. air defense system might say about the future of U.S. arms transfers to Europe
February 2, 2026
One year in, looking at the data, policies, and trends in the U.S. arms trade under Trump
January 26, 2026
A trip to Moldova underscores the case for international partnerships
January 12, 2026
