The need for security forces in a fragile state to be sufficiently trained and equipped is recognized as a precondition for stability and development. However, supplying arms and ammunition in such cases contribute to: diversion to actors seeking to undermine stabilization efforts; the renewal or intensification of an armed conflict; and corruption.
To prevent these negative consequences, arms exporting states assess the risks and undertake risk mitigation measures, sometimes in cooperation with recipients as part of security sector reform (SSR) programmes.
This paper will examine arms exporter risk assessment and mitigation strategies, and consider the implications of the Arms trade Treaty (ATT) for such efforts. What up-stream measures are most effective for ensuring that arms exporters supply arms to fragile states that they require, while limiting the negative impacts of such flows on conflict dynamics, stabilization efforts and governance?
