ABSTRACT
Second-tier states appear to be more dependent than ever on the first-tier producers for critical technologies, components, capital and jobs. As the arms market has contracted and industry has rationalised operations, the bulk of armaments production has become more of a global, integrated and hierarchical affair. Globalisation also has the potential to affect regional political and military balances. In particular, Western controls over the export of militarily useful technologies need to be re-examined and reoriented in light of the globalisation paradigm. Policymakers need to clearly delineate between what manner of technology transfers and international collaboration they should constrain and what sort they should encourage in other words, erect higher barriers around fewer technologies. Perhaps the best way for supplier states to guard against the negative repercussions of such activities is to ensure that they maintain their military-technological edge over potential competitors.
