The Small Arms Trade

Small Arms are responsible for over half a million deaths each year. Despite this terrifying statistic, millions of guns flow into the streets of the world each year. It is a multi-billion dollar industry, and one which is barely regulated. From AK-47s to M16 rifles; from Terrorist-owned shoulder-fired missiles to child soldiers, this enlightening guide reveals the disturbing reality behind the murky underworld of international arms trading. Explaining how deals can often operate on the edge of legality, and listing the world's main players, it goes on to ask how the exchange of small arms can be tightened in the future. Full of insight and anticipating the danger of ever lighter and more powerful weapons, this is required reading for anyone who wishes to understand the world today and one of the key threats to development, prosperity and international peace. "Schroeder, Smith and Stohl have produced what will surely become an indispensable reference for any reader interested in the nature and consequences of the trade in small arms and the policies needed to effectively deal with the lethal consequences of such trade." Moises Naim - Editor of Foreign Policy magazine and author of 'Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and copycats are hijacking the global economy.' "Makes for elucidating reading" Sharon Weinberger, Editor-in-Chief,