ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the structure of global arms proliferation, which raises both dilemmas of causation and access, that is, questions of whether arms cause wars and whether it is any longer reasonable or fair for each country to assert a sovereign right to arm. Strategically timed arms shipments, or transfers were used in ancient as well as modern times to fortify friends or weaken enemies. A combination of regional conflict hot spots and the availability of funds for purchase keeps the global arms trade running. As demand for high-technology arms has grown, especially with the evident US successes using such equipment during the 1991 Gulf War, cash-strapped governments have turned to diversification strategies and makeshift designs and add-ons to upgrade their armaments and imitate Western arms technology at lower cost. Russian arms remained a reasonably high-technology bargain for many Third World arms purchasers, even Malaysia hedged its aircraft purchase commitment by including an order for US F-18 fighters as well.
