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 important is security accountability—both domestic and international—to Americans?
Commentary
How Russia’s norm-shattering invasion of Ukraine may catalyze a risky acceleration of the international arms trade
Elias Yousif
Commentary
A look at how the military assistance effort to Ukraine has evolved and the challenges that lie ahead
Elias Yousif
Commentary
A quarter century on, reflecting on the Mine Ban Treaty and where the U.S. goes from here
Rachel Stohl
Commentary
A look at Washington’s new plan to address arms diversion risks stemming from its military aid effort to Ukraine and where it leaves concerns unanswered.
Elias Yousif • Rachel Stohl
Commentary
A look at the evolution of Washington’s unprecedented security assistance effort to Ukraine.
Elias Yousif
Commentary
With OPEC’s decision to cut energy production, a look at the historical “arms for oil” bargain that has shaped U.S. relations with the Arab Gulf
Elias Yousif
Commentary
The story behind the arms dealer the Biden team is offering in exchange for Brittney Griner.
Rachel Stohl • Elias Yousif

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38 North: News and Analysis on North Korea