Arms Trade Treaty

Definition

The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is an international agreement that regulates the trade of conventional arms and seeks to prevent and eradicate the illicit arms trade. By establishing common standards for the import, export, and transfer of conventional weapons, the ATT aims to promote peace, security, and international cooperation, making it a crucial element in anticipating and preparing for future conflict scenarios.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Arms Trade Treaty was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2013 and entered into force in December 2014 after ratification by 50 states.
2. The ATT requires states to assess the risk of arms being used to commit violations of international humanitarian law or human rights abuses before authorizing exports.
3. As of now, over 100 countries have ratified the treaty, reflecting a significant global commitment to regulating arms trade.
4. The treaty addresses not only the transfer of weapons but also the diversion of arms into illicit markets, which can exacerbate existing conflicts.
5. Despite its positive intentions, some critics argue that the ATT may not be effective in preventing arms flows to conflict zones due to loopholes and lack of enforcement mechanisms.

Review Questions

• How does the Arms Trade Treaty influence the regulation of conventional weapons between countries?
  • The Arms Trade Treaty influences the regulation of conventional weapons by establishing a framework for assessing the risks associated with arms transfers. Countries are required to evaluate whether the exported arms could be used to violate international humanitarian law or contribute to human rights abuses. This process encourages greater accountability among states in their arms trading practices and aims to reduce the potential for these weapons to exacerbate conflicts.
• Discuss the challenges that the Arms Trade Treaty faces in effectively curbing the illicit arms trade.
  • The Arms Trade Treaty faces several challenges in curbing the illicit arms trade, including gaps in implementation and enforcement. Many countries may not have the necessary resources or political will to comply fully with the treaty's obligations. Additionally, the existence of black markets and non-state actors complicates efforts to monitor arms flows. These challenges can undermine the treaty's effectiveness in preventing arms from reaching conflict zones or being used in human rights violations.
• Evaluate the implications of the Arms Trade Treaty on future conflict scenarios globally and regionally.
  • The Arms Trade Treaty has significant implications for future conflict scenarios by promoting greater transparency and responsibility in international arms transfers. As countries adopt stricter regulations on arms exports, it could lead to a decrease in weapon availability for conflict actors, potentially reducing violence. However, if major arms-exporting nations do not fully commit to the treaty or find ways to bypass it, unresolved conflicts may persist or escalate. The treaty's effectiveness will largely depend on collaborative international efforts to address loopholes and ensure compliance among all member states.

Related terms

Conventional Weapons: Weapons that are not nuclear, chemical, or biological; this includes small arms, artillery, tanks, and aircraft.

Illicit Arms Trade: The illegal trade of weapons that bypasses national and international regulations, often fueling conflict and violence.

Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW): A category of weapons that includes firearms and other weapons that are easily portable and can be used by individuals or small groups.