Arms Transfer Policies and International Security: the Case of Brazilian-Swedish Co-operation

Abstract

This article discusses arms trade policies from an international security perspective. Arms transfers are widely treated as political issues even when economic incentives exist. They affect bilateral and multilateral relations among suppliers, countries receiving the arms, non-state actors, taxpayers, and victims. Following the agreement to build Swedish SAAB Gripen NG fighter jets in Brazil, more may be produced for sale to third countries. This, in turn, calls for a review of Brazil's arms transfer policy. In this instance, Sweden's principled arms sales model could serve as a basis for a revised Brazilian arms transfer policy as well.

Optimization of Selected Agricultural Export Commodities to Improve Indonesia’s Weaponry Countertrade

“…Supplier countries can sell weapons to allies and established countries or refuse to sell to potential opponents, as part of foreign policy principles. In certain cases, weapons can even be donated free of charge, sold at low prices, even funded by suppliers with broader geopolitical objectives (Moraes in Avila et al, 2017). At the same time, the governments of recipient countries try to limit the influence and pressure exerted by arms exporters.…”

“…The degree of independence of recipient countries usually depends on their domestic and regional circumstances, bargaining capacity and negotiations, and whether or not alternative exporters are available. From an economic standpoint, defense equipment exporters often argue that defense equipment exports because they create economies of scale while exporting countries themselves can promote the export of high value-added goods, foreign exchange earnings, encourage research and development, and help keep costs of the arms industry at a level reason (Peron in Avila et al, 2017). Rapid export growth facilitates capital inflows and technology transfers which encourage rapid economic growth (Radelet in Sultanuzzaman et al, 2019).…”