COUNTING THE LOSSES: THE ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIO-CULTURAL IMPACT OF SALW PROLIFERATION, WHO GAINS WITH DISARMAMENT

Abstract

Most present-day conflicts are fought mainly with small arms. They are broadly used in inter-State conflict and they are the weapons of choice in civil wars and for terrorism, organized crime and gang warfare. Small arms are cheap, light, and easy to handle, transport and conceal. A build-up of small arms alone does not create conflict, but their excessive accumulation and wide availability often aggravate tension, often leading to more lethal and longer lasting violence.