Illicit Arms Research Articles

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY ON HUMAN SECURITY: REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2013 and entered into force on December 24, 2014, is another important step forward for regulation of the trade in conventional arms and for mitigating some of the harmful effects of armed conflict on human security. This research article delves into the ATT’s implications for human security, emphasizing its role in preventing human rights abuses and promoting transparency and accountability in arms transfers. The ATT mandates comprehensive risk assessments by state parties before authorizing arms exports, ensuring that these transfers do not contribute to the human suffering or violate of international humanitarian law. By fostering international cooperation and robust national control systems, the treaty aims to curb the illicit arms trade, which exacerbates violence and hinders development, particularly in conflict-prone regions. The article highlights the ATT’s significance in integrating human security concepts into arms export controls, despite challenges in changing state behavior and the treaty’s limitations, such as the exclusion of non-state actors and emerging technologies. Through regional insights, the study examines the ATT’s impact on human security in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Identifying both successes and areas for improvement. This Article underscores the need for enhanced implementation strategies, political will, and international collaboration fully with the ATT is potential in safeguarding human security and promoting sustainable development in a world fraught with violence and instability.

Dynamics of Illicit Arms Trade and Regional Security Challenges in West Africa

Dynamics of Illicit Arms Trade and Regional Security Challenges in West Africa

Joint Efforts in Combating Cross-Border Arms Trafficking: Challenges and Prospects of the Mexican-American Partnership

This article delves into the challenges and prospects of the Mexican-American partnership in combating cross-border arms trafficking. It analyzes the joint efforts of the two countries to combat illicit arms trafficking, the threats posed by this phenomenon, and legislative and law enforcement measures to control arms trafficking. Particular attention is paid to the role of criminal groups in the illegal arms trade across the border and the political factors affecting the effectiveness of Mexico-U.S. cooperation in this area. The possibility of applying the experience of Mexico and the US to strengthen Russia’s cooperation with neighboring countries in controlling the movement of weapons and combating cross-border crime, as well as developing regional security strategies, particularly in regions grappling with the pressing issue of illegal arms trafficking, is also explored. In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of robust international partnerships and collaborative efforts in addressing the complex challenges posed by cross-border arms trafficking. By leveraging shared experiences and implementing coordinated strategies, nations can enhance their capacity to combat transnational crime and safeguard regional security against the proliferation of illicit firearms.

Criminalization of illicit arms trafficking: critical analysis and proposals

Criminalization of illicit arms trafficking: critical analysis and proposals

Small Arms, Light Weapons, and Illicit Arms Trade: The Challenges of Stopping Their Use in Violations of International Humanitarian Law

Small Arms, Light Weapons, and Illicit Arms Trade: The Challenges of Stopping Their Use in Violations of International Humanitarian Law

The Indonesian Government's Plan for Protecting Territorial Integrity along the Sea Border with the Philippines

The Indonesian-Philippine maritime border in North Sulawesi has seen a number of issues with foreign ships, illegal inhabitants, Abu Sayyaf organisations, and the Islamic State (IS) terror network violating local laws governing land and water sovereignty. In this paper, the technique used by the Republic of Indonesian government to enforce the marine security law in Northern Sulawesi is explained. With a case study methodology, this study will employ the qualitative technique. By exploring a number of ideas, including strategic theory, territorial sovereignty, boundaries, law, security, and international relations, the research challenge will be solved. Huber man procedures are used to examine the data, which go through a variety of steps beginning with data collection via observation, interviewing, and document analysis. Following are the study's findings: First off, illicit arms and ammunition trade, human trafficking, illegal mining, illegal fishing, people smuggling, and the return of terrorists all pose challenges to the safety of the maritime environment in North Sulawesi. Additionally, it manifests itself as illegal immigration and flag-violating foreign ships. Second, this effort will assess how well the Indo-Malphi agreement, intelligence sharing, and coordinated actions have helped safeguard the sovereignty of the Indonesian-Philippine sea boundary. Thirdly, this essay will outline the Indonesian government's preventative, response, and recovery strategies for preserving the sovereignty of the sea boundary between Indonesia and the Philippines.

Illicit arms trafficking using digital technologies in modern Russia: problems and prospects of criminal law regulation

Illicit arms trafficking using digital technologies in modern Russia: problems and prospects of criminal law regulation

Defending Ukraine with EU weapons: arms control law in times of crisis

AbstractThe wish from 24 February 2022 onwards to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression has led to the provision of unprecedented lethal European Union (EU) military assistance. As the ‘taboo’ of supplying lethal assistance into non-EU conflicts is swept aside, what is the role of international arms control law? The legal requirements of the EU Common Position on arms exports and the Arms Trade Treaty compel EU Member States to assess various short- and long-term risks associated with arms exports. But it is unclear how arms control norms are being taken into account by the EU Council in its rapidly evolving role as a peacemaker.The standards that are being used to shape EU decision-making on Ukraine matter both for their precedent-setting as reflecting the trajectory of EU normative power, as well as on the long-term blowbacks of proliferation on illicit arms trafficking. While from the EU Council, there has been limited public articulation of these risks, greater consideration thereof would serve as a reminder of the reality of post-conflict arms proliferation, ie. illicit arms trafficking of weapons leached from the conflict, and their subsequent misuse by undesirable actors. Geostrategic precedent is being set, with implications that extend far beyond Ukraine, including to other conflicts where the EU is already intervening. The EU’s delivering of massive lethal military assistance alters also the reflexive perception of its institutions.

THE DEVILS THEORY OF IMPERIALISM AND THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS (SALW) IN NIGERIA

The causes, extent and preventive methods of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria have been the subject of significant studies on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. It has been found that the literature lacks the use of the devil theory of imperialism in analyzing the political economy of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. The methodology was based on content analysis of extant literature on uncontrolled arms, illicit arms, and conflict and insecurity from textbooks, magazines, the Internet and other sources. The results of this study show that international and local partners are all involved in the proliferation of illegal firearms in Nigeria, making it impossible for the government to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The study also shows that the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria is slowing due to the nature of the people involved in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, as well as the limited capacities of the Nigerian states due to a lack of political will to curb the countrys growing insecurity. Finally, this study suggests that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as well as insecurity, will continue uninterrupted until arms dealers and their collaborators are caught and prosecuted.

Conflict contagion via weapons proliferation out of collapsed states

ABSTRACT The Weberian definition of the state as the legitimate monopoly on the means of violence links arms to national power. In practice, the monopoly entails exchanging capital for arms to equip security forces with weapons of war. We examine what happens to these arms when a state collapses. Focusing on Libya, we explore the regional diffusion of small arms and light weapons ejecting out of the power vacuum in the wake of its breakdown. Before the 2011 uprising, the Libyan armed forces were considered one of the best equipped in Africa. When the regime collapsed, the country became the hub of an illicit arms market supplying rebels and extremist groups across the Sahara-Sahel and Middle East. We argue that upon collapse, a reversal of a specific, key aspect of state-making obtains in which uncertain and opportunistic nonstate actors with a sudden surplus of scavenged weapons exchange arms for capital. Using United Nations documentation on illicit arms smuggling and georeferenced Uppsala Conflict Data Program information on substate violence, we examine the links between state collapse and regional substate violence. We find that this exogenous material boost has been critical in the rise of violent groups and their consolidation into regional threats.

Countering a technological Berlin tunnel: North Korean operatives, helicopters and intelligence in the Cold War illicit arms trade, 1981-1986

ABSTRACT This article considers the relationshipbetween intelligence and the arms trade by examining NorthKorea’s procurement of 86 Hughes helicopters in the 1980s. Usingrecently declassified documents, the article contextualises the caseusing US intelligence assessments of North Korea’s procurement,and considers the role of the DPRK’s diplomats in Berlin, and theWestern powers’ response. This history provides insights into theuse of intelligence operatives for arms procurement, the role ofintelligence agencies in monitoring the illicit arms trade, and thechallenges in collection, analysis and acting on the intelligencesurrounding arms trafficking.

Border Management System: The Digitalization of Pak - Afghan Border

Border security has a direct impact on economic development, internal security, foreign relations particularly with neighbours and national sovereignty. Professionals, well-trained border officers and structured organizational mechanism ensure efficient border management preventing human and drug-trafficking, smuggling, terrorists’ infiltration and illicit arms trade. Authors have discussed the nature of complexity in border’s domain particularly Pak – Afghan border in this paper. It highlights how porous border increases intensity of terrorism in Pakistan particularly in tribal agencies. Further, efficient border management in the light of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1373 is a necessity.  Consequentially, this paper suggestive in nature proposes installation of new mechanism including camera towers, thermal imaging cameras, Kamikaze drones, mobile/ vehicle based platforms, radars, sensors, infrared cameras, Border Patrol and Small Tactical Units and Universal Registration Client (URC).

Proliferation of illicit arms and control mechanisms in Nigeria: A critical socioeconomic analysis

The study addresses the question of illicit weapons proliferation and many diverse control measures undertaken to counteract it in Nigeria. It further explores the reasons why Nigeria has become an appealing target for illicit weapons in the West African sub-region. Given the ease of in-flows and out-flows of illicit arms within the borders of the Nigerian State, this study contends that Nigeria’s firearms law is outdated and insufficient, especially as seen from the perspective of the Protocol to the arms trade agreement that is in force, and even in the light of the dynamics of security issues in the 21st century. The study demonstrates that the growing proliferation of illicit weapons in Nigeria has had economic, humanitarian and socio-political consequences. Therefore, it concludes that all the regional containment measures, from ECOWAS to weapons trading agreements, have not decreased the proliferation of illicit arms in Nigeria and that the Nigeria’s Firearms Act is outdated and unsuitable for the security needs of the Nigerian state, notwithstanding the problems faced by the security dynamics of the 21st century.

Lavado de dinero en el entorno cibernético y criptoactivos en el hemisferio

The Hemisphere faces several threats to public security. It involves transnational crimes, terrorism, the expansion of drugs, illicit arms trafficking, human trafficking and corruption. In all of these crimes, the financial benefit of those who execute it generally passes through the crime of money laundering, a key intersection point for broad and effective action to combat this threats. In turn, the evolution of the cyber environment results in yet another contemporary threat. In addition to replicating or facilitating the execution of practically all the aforementioned crimes, cybernetics, with the possibility of cryptoactives exchanging, has become an important tool for the realization of undue gains obtained by crime. This article intends to explore this theme, collaborating with the presentation of some proposals for actions.

UNTOLD IMPACTS OF NIGERIA’S LAND BORDERS CLOSURE POLICY ON BORDER COMMUNITIES, ECONOMY, AND SECURITY IN WEST AFRICAN SUB-REGION

In recent time, the Nigerian government shut its land borders with neighbouring states of: Benin Republic, Cameroon, Chad and Niger over what were observed to be; increase in smuggling activities, alleged security breaches, trafficking, incidence of illegal cross-border activities, undocumented migration, among others in the West African sub-region. However, the continual closure of these borders appeared to have affected the activities of border communities, regional and national economies. The study examines the reasons for shutting the borders; finds out the impacts of the closure on border communities, regional/national economies and security; finds out the reactions of border communities and neighbouring states; and interrogates the remedies to the problem. The study adopts a hegemonic stability theory to explain the phenomenon surrounding the closure while it employs quantitative and qualitative research methods. The paper in its findings therefore indicates that the state closed her land borders to forestall all illegal actions at borders involving: smuggling and human trafficking, illicit arms trade, undocumented migration among others. The study also reveals that the closure led to economic hardship for people in border communities, West African sub-region and the Nigerian state at large. The study therefore recommends that; there should be cross-fertilization of ideas on transnational economic, legal and security initiatives between the Nigeria and her neighbouring states to wage war against illicit activities at borders. The study however concludes that the border closure poses a major blow to pan-African moment having cut short all trade relations with other states; hoping that the policy would be very significant in protecting Nigeria’s political, economic and security interests.

Cooperation between the United States and Mexico in combating illicit arms trafficking

The article is devoted to the illicit arms trafficking issue between Mexico and the United States. The paper presents a retrospective analysis for finding the roots of the current situation. Author analyses the policy decisions in both countries, their authorities’ approaches for resolving illicit arms trafficking at different times. Assessment is carried out on the prospects of a two-state dialogue between the U.S. and Mexico on this issue.

Методичний підхід до визначення пріоритетності важливих об’єктів в зоні територіальної оборони, охорона та оборона яких покладається на формування територіальної оборони держави

Сучасний стан воєнно-політичної обстановки довкола України свідчать про наявність значного обсягу викликів різного характеру, до нашої країни, які надходять як зі сторони держав, які мають спільні з нами сухопутні та морські кордони, так і впливових воєнно-політичних та економічних країн і організацій (Сполучені Штати Америки, Північноатлантичний Альянс і Європейський союз), інтереси яких об’єктивно присутні в регіоні. В середині України такі суперечності відобразились територіальними претензіями зі сторони Російської Федерації, розпалюванням релігійних та етнічних суперечностей серед населення, що в свою чергу призвело до виникнення збройного конфлікту та, як наслідок, активної діяльності незаконних збройних формувань в окремих районах Донецької та Луганської областей. Водночас, серйозну загрозу становить активізація тероризму, незаконна торгівля зброєю, наркотичними речовинами, організована злочинність, тощо. Значне зростання таких загроз в Україні викликає необхідність розвивати підходи до забезпечення безпеки держави. Зважаючи на тенденції розвитку воєнних конфліктів сучасності, реалізації завдання забезпечення безпеки від зазначених загроз по праву належить територіальній обороні. Необхідність досліджень питань організації та ведення територіальної оборони України, пов’язана з відносно невеликою кількістю наукових праць з цієї проблематики, метою яких би було сформувати методичні підходи до визначення пріоритетності важливих об’єктів і комунікацій зони територіальної оборони, охорону та оборону яких здійснюють військові частини (підрозділи) територіальної оборони Збройних Сил України в особливий період з метою забезпечення їх надійного функціонування, задля забезпечення потреб населення та функціонування економіки країни.

Использование исторического опыта в решении проблемных вопросов контроля над оборотом оружия

This work is an analysis of methods for solving the problem of illicit trafficking in weapons used in the Russian state during the period of the entire historical development of the institution of the licensing system. Characteristic features of these methods are distinguished and described. The authors traces the formation in the Russian Federation of a licensing system in the field of arms trafficking. Particular attention is focused on the features and effectiveness of legal regulation of the fight against illicit arms trafficking. The views on the provisions of the current rules of administrative legislation governing the responsibility for violation of the rules of storage, carrying or destruction of weapons and ammunition to it are stated. Also proposed are additions to administrative legislation that, in the opinion of the authors, are capable of reducing the number of cases when civilian weapons become illegal and, as a result, can be used further for criminal purposes.

Criminal law policy of Ukraine in the field of illicit arms trafficking in a special period

The article is devoted to the analysis of the features of criminal law policy in the field of combating crimes involving weapons, ammunition, explosives and explosive devices, at the current stage of aggravation of the criminal situation and the Joint Forces Operation in eastern Ukraine. The lack of clear legal regulation of firearms possession in Ukraine leads to the fact that the line between legal and illegal possession is sometimes blurred. Many weapons in Ukraine, which were previously considered legal, have now been classified as "illegal" for a number of reasons. The analysis of the bills proposed for the regulation of the order of arms circulation in Ukraine is carried out. It is stated that in judicial practice in the application of Art. 262, 263, 263-1, 264 of the Criminal Code, as well as other crimes committed with the use of weapons, there are significant errors due to am-biguity in the interpretation of crime, doctrinal interpretation of these rules and their legislative imperfec-tions, gaps in criminal law policy and lack of uniform application practice. The above circumstances de-termine the relevance of the study of the legal regime of arms trafficking in Ukraine and criminal policy in the field of combating crimes involving weapons, ammunition, explosives and explosive devices. It is emphasized that a significant amount of weapons is in illegal circulation in Ukraine. This sit-uation is complicated by a number of factors, including the significant amount of weapons left in the country after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014 (and, consequently, the looting of state reserves), and the influx of weapons across uncontrolled border areas. The main problems are related to the shortcomings of the legal system governing the possession and use of small arms, as well as the lack of a central register of firearms, which makes it extremely difficult to fight illicit arms trafficking.

Illicit Small Arms Prices: Introducing Two New Datasets

ABSTRACT Despite calls to reduce illicit arms flows, it remains difficult to detect and quantify them. One proposed method for detecting and quantifying illicit trade volumes is to test econometrically for price changes. This paper documents an effort of the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and the Small Arms Data Observatory (SADO) to make such inferential econometric analyses possible by assembling two new datasets on illicit small arms prices. The first, called the ‘Illicit Small Arms Prices – Transactions’ dataset (iSAP-T), has an observational unit of arm(s) sold in a single transaction. The second, called the ‘Illicit Small Arms Prices – Countries’ dataset (or iSAP-C), derives from the iSAP-T and has the more standard country-year observational unit. This paper describes the methods for data collection, organization, and generation for these datasets, presents some descriptive statistics and graphics, and concludes with a discussion of possible future uses and limitations of the datasets.