1. World problems
  2. Private international arms dealers

Private international arms dealers

Nature

Private arms dealers facilitate sale of arms to governments or other groups, either by acting as agents for manufacturers, or by obtaining their arms directly from manufacturers in the supplying country, or else by purchase of equipment declared surplus or obsolete by the government of that country. Governments experience difficulty in controlling private transactions, which may involve a number of middlemen and the movement of the arms through several countries before reaching their final destination, but this has not prevented the sale of considerable amounts of surplus armaments to such dealers.

Background

At the close of the 1914-18 war, and within the framework of the League of Nations, there were strong suspicions that the role of the arms trade in general, and private arms dealers in particular, were a major cause of war. Since the 1930s, the regulation of the arms trade has not been a major subject of international discussion. After the 1939-45 war, the arms trade was mainly carried on by governments, and the role of the private arms dealers was reduced considerably.

Incidence

Private arms dealers exist primarily in countries where the economy is not centrally controlled. Less than 5% of the arms trade with the developing countries is in the hands of private dealers and only a very small proportion of these operate without government approval.

Claim

Private international arms dealers pose a grave threat to global security and human rights. Their unchecked activities fuel conflicts, empower oppressive regimes, and exacerbate humanitarian crises. By prioritizing profit over peace, these dealers undermine international stability and contribute to the suffering of countless innocents. It is imperative that governments and international organizations take decisive action to regulate and dismantle these networks, ensuring accountability and promoting a safer, more just world for all.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

While some may argue that private international arms dealers pose a significant threat, this perspective overlooks the complexities of global security. Arms trade is a necessary component of national defense and sovereignty. The focus should be on responsible regulation rather than demonizing private dealers. By fostering cooperation among nations, we can ensure stability without overemphasizing the role of arms dealers, who often operate within legal frameworks. Thus, this issue is overstated and not a pressing problem.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

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Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Commerce » Agencies, dealers
  • Defence » Arms
  • Government » Private
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    D2107
    DOCID
    11421070
    D7NID
    155917
    Last update
    Oct 4, 2020