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 bi-lateral 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.