The Small Arms Survey 2008 examines the problem of diversion and analyses the public health approach to armed violence.

Small Arms are responsible for over half a million deaths each year. Despite this terrifying statistic, millions of guns flow into the streets of the world each year. It is a multi-billion dollar industry, and one which is barely regulated. From AK-47s to M16 rifles; from Terrorist-owned shoulder-fired missiles to child soldiers, this enlightening guide reveals the disturbing reality behind the murky underworld of international arms trading. Explaining how deals can often operate on the edge of legality, and listing the world’s main players, it goes on to ask how the exchange of small arms can be tightened in the future. Full of insight and anticipating the danger of ever lighter and more powerful weapons, this is required reading for anyone who wishes to understand the world today and one of the key threats to development, prosperity and international peace.

Reviews knowledge about gangs and non-state armed groups worldwide, and interventions designed to curb the risks associated with them.

In its premier issue, this volume provides the first broad overview of major aspects of the problem of small arms and light weapons proliferation. Issues covered include: products and producers; global firearms stockpiles; brokers and transport agents; legal small arms transfers; illicit small arms transfers; the effects of small arms availability; and multilateral measures and initiatives. The Survey will serve as the principal source of public information on all aspects of small arms, and as a resource center for governments, policy makers, researchers, and activists. With international contributors from a variety of backgrounds, it will interest all those in security studies, political science, law, economics, development studies, and sociology.

The 2002 edition of the Small Arms Survey includes new and updated information and analysis on global small arms production, stockpiles and legal and illicit transfers, and a review of international, regional and national measures to address the issue of small arms proliferation. New issuescovered in the 2002 edition include: i) the humanitarian dimensions of small arms availability and proliferation; ii) a survey of small arms collection and destruction programmes, and iii) a detailed analysis of the outcome of the 2001 United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms andLight Weapons in all its Aspects. The Small Arms Survey is now recognised as the principle international source of impartial and reliable information on all aspects of small arms. Its blend of information and analysis makes it an indispensable resource for policy-makers, officials andnon-governmental organisations.

The Small Arms Survey is an independent research project located at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. It serves as the principal source of public information on all aspects of small arms and armed violence and as a resource centre for governments, policy-makers, researchers, and activists. The Small Arms Survey 2009 contains two thematic sections. The first highlights the challenges of ensuring security after the formal end of war and comprises an overview chapter and three case studies (Aceh, Afghanistan, and Southern Lebanon). The second thematic section explores various aspects of small arms transfers, including the value of the authorized trade, national controls, and weapons tracing. Additional chapters focus on small arms measures and impacts.