What are the drivers of arms export policy? What are the rules governing arms transfers? What happens to arms export controls once war breaks out? Why do export control systems that claim to restrain weapons supplies to conflicts nevertheless result in exporters steadily supporting conflicts around the world? In short, what are the politics of arms transfer regulation? This special section addresses these questions via an analysis of the export policies and practices of three of the world's largest arms exporters: the United States, the UK and France.
Photo by Андрей Туфанюк