Managing the Arms Trade

Promoting long-term stability and security through responsible arms sales and advancing transparent and accountable policies and processes for arms transfer decisions

In Conventional Arms Research

The international arms trade affects all aspects of international relations, as countries around the world buy and sell weapons to advance their foreign policy, national security, and economic interests. Yet the transfer and use of conventional weapons come with inherent risks. The international arms trade is too often poorly regulated and irresponsibly managed, creating an environment that in many cases increases the extent and deadliness of armed conflict, limits economic prosperity, and contributes to human rights abuses and humanitarian harm around the world.

The project seeks to reduce risk and minimize harm associated with the global arms trade. By bringing together governments, international and regional organizations, civil society, and the private sector in common cause, the project seeks to to address concerns surrounding conventional weapons and promotes responsible arms transfer control policies around the world.

In Focus
Exploring the causes, consequences, and solutions to unaccountability in America’s foreign and domestic security sectors
Data and tracking of arms transfers to Ukraine and analysis on potential tactical, strategic, and diplomatic consequences and risks

Research

Events

News & Commentary

Commentary
How yet another coup involving U.S. trained forces reflects on U.S. security assistance efforts in the Sahel
Elias Yousif
Commentary
A look at the humanitarian and strategic risks of providing cluster munitions to Ukraine
Elias Yousif • Rachel Stohl
Commentary
Looking for answers for the administration’s plan to reform foreign military sales.
Rachel Stohl • Elias Yousif
Commentary
A look at how the Biden administration can implement commitments to restraint and human rights in its new Conventional Arms Transfer policy
Rachel Stohl • Loren Voss • Elias Yousif
Commentary
As Ukraine begins a much anticipated offensive, a look at U.S. military aid and how it must evolve to endure.
Elias Yousif
Commentary
25 years after Washington briefly ended security cooperation with India and Pakistan over their tit-for-tat nuclear testing, a look at the U.S. arms relationship with both countries
Betzalel Newman • Elias Yousif
Commentary
Some of the assumptions that underpin this familiar refrain don’t hold water
Elias Yousif
Commentary
Understanding the long history of U.S. military aid to Somalia amidst a surge in fighting
Elias Yousif

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38 North: News and Analysis on North Korea