The Price of the Gun: The Arms Industry

This chapter investigates the intricate and multifaceted dynamics of the global arms industry, exploring its far-reaching impact on geopolitics, security and international relations. From historical antecedents to contemporary complexities, the chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of the key players, regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations surrounding the production and trade of arms on a global scale. Central to the discussion is an examination of the major actors in the global arms market, encompassing both state-owned and private enterprises. The chapter analyses the economic, political and technological factors that drive the arms trade, shedding light on the motivations and strategies employed by countries and corporations to assert dominance in this competitive and strategic arena. A critical component of the chapter is the exploration of international arms regulations and the challenges associated with their enforcement. It assesses the effectiveness of existing frameworks, such as arms control treaties and export controls, in mitigating the risks of arms proliferation while also considering the loopholes and controversies that persist in the global arms trade.