While the causes of many international conflicts are multifaceted and complex, there can be no denying the role of arms in international security. Ironically, the ending of one conflict often means the creation of a new one as the proliferation of weapons - such as used guns, grenades and tanks - are sold at low cost to guerrillas and armies in other countries. The subject of arms control has taken centre stage recently because of its impact on the international terrorism. While peace advocates have been dialoguing about nonproliferation and a greater emphasis on human rights, this has often taken a back seat to seemingly more pressing issues.

The spread of small arms is troubling primarily because its relative simplicity that often escapes notice. The illicit trade by... (more)

While the causes of many international conflicts are multifaceted and complex, there can be no denying the role of arms in international security. Ironically, the ending of one conflict often means the creation of a new one as the proliferation of weapons - such as used guns, grenades and tanks - are sold at low cost to guerrillas and armies in other countries. The subject of arms control has taken centre stage recently because of its impact on the international terrorism. While peace advocates have been dialoguing about nonproliferation and a greater emphasis on human rights, this has often taken a back seat to seemingly more pressing issues.

The spread of small arms is troubling primarily because its relative simplicity that often escapes notice. The illicit trade by dealers is incredibly lucrative and widespread; hence, guerrilla groups have very little trouble obtaining weapons to fight state actors. Given the relative failure of international bodies in this area, a regional approach to arms control is being discussed. Furthermore, the United Nations Security Council is discussing ways to strengthen existing institutions for greater efficiency and priority.

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and more importantly, their use by rogue elements and rebel groups greatly contributes to regional tensions. In areas of the world, often locked in tension and maintain a tenuous balance of peace, such as in South Asia or East Asia, the nuclear issue is a rising threat to international stability. International bodies are encouraging negotiations, dialogue, and rapprochement (better relations between states). Chemical and biological weapons, while more novel, are equally deadly, and therefore continue to be a threat to security.