Global Structures and SALW Flows to Conflict

Abstract

This chapter examines the changing nature of extra-regional aspects of SALW flows to conflicts and discerns the structures that have evolved to shape them. Building on the findings of the previous chapter it assesses the extent to which those SALW flows to conflict actors are shaped by those global structures, or reflect distinct illicit market systems of spread. It does this by looking briefly at legal flows to conflicts — primarily in terms of discerning key similarities and differences from the overall patterns of access to SALW. It then turns to covert aid to insurgent forces — it determines the nature of those processes, and how and why they have evolved — in order to discern what structures and dynamics shape the availability and nature of covert aid and whether that represents a distinct system of spread. Finally, it examines the nature and evolution of black-market and grey-market structures and processes and critically assesses the operation, or not, of a global illicit market that is at the core of the understanding of flows to conflict in the amorphous image.