ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an examination of small arms and conflict, the theme of this section of the book. It surveys research on the role of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in civil warfare, in particular studies relating to conflict intensity, technology, arms competition, and the use of child soldiers. The chapter then examines two popular approaches to analysing contemporary civil warfare – ‘New Wars' and ‘Fourth Generation Warfare' – and associated weapons acquisition. It concludes with an exploration of the methodological and conceptual challenges faced by researchers when studying the relationship between weapons and war.
