Problems and potential solutions associated with the global proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons

This capstone paper seeks to address the global problem of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW) proliferation. This problem is escalating because there are no international entities that have the capacity to regulate trafficking in these weapons. Not even the International Criminal Court (ICC) has the power to control trafficking in SA/LW or to remove them from the global market. This research focused on identifying who the major suppliers of SA/LW are and on the role the US (US) plays in their production and distribution. The research methodology involved the use of open-ended survey questionnaires that were sent to experts in SA/LW trafficking worldwide. The data was then interpreted in terms of common themes and patterns that were found among the respondents. The research determined that the United States, through its lack of enforcement of restrictions on SA/LW within its own borders, is a primary player in the illegal trafficking of SA/LW in other countries