Controlling conventional arms transfers : a new approach with application to the Persian Gulf

Abstract : The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait renewed attention to the potentially destabilizing impact of the accumulation of conventional weapons systems in regions such as the Middle East. At the same time, the end of the Cold War and the reduction in domestic procurement of sophisticated military hardware have highlighted to the major arms suppliers the importance of the continued growth of their arms exports. Reporting on Phase 1 of the research, this report offers an approach for controlling transfers of conventional weapons systems to the Persian Gulf with an appreciation of these competing interests. Subsequent phases will broaden the focus to other regions. This report should be of interest to policymakers concerned with arms export policies, Persian Gulf security arrangements, and the U.S. industrial base.