Weber and Tilly trace state development through the creation of an internal monopoly of legitimate violence. The control over weapons is crucial, as the state literally disarmed gangs, clans, barons and other rivals to its authority. Nevertheless, the Weberian state building project is frequently incomplete. Across parts of the developing world justice and law enforcement are not perceived as legitimate, their power marginally extends into rural and slum areas, and weapons flow in from abroad. They typically experience very high levels of homicide. The state has to work with some armed actors aligned with it (such as vigilantes or Private Military Companies) while it tolerates or attempts to counter other direct rivals to its authority (such as criminal groups or even warlords). This paper examines the governance of arms possession and use in states where there are numerous armed actors. It uses examples from fragile, transitional and conflict prone states.
