This enlightening guide reveals the disturbing reality within the murky underworld of international arms trading.

'An indispensable reference for any reader interested in the nature and consequences of the trade in small arms.'
Moises Naim – Editor of Foreign Policy and author of Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy

'A uniquely valuable book. Beginners as well as professionals and practitioners will find a great deal to learn and ponder.'
Joseph P. Smaldone – former director of conventional arms nonproliferation policy, U.S. Department of State

'Countless people each year are killed or left with debilitating injuries caused by these weapons in conflicts around the globe, conflicts fuelled by the small arms trade. For those who wish to help prevent this needless suffering, this book will provide invaluable insight.'
Martin Butcher – Senior Advisor for Policy and Programs, Physicians for Social Responsibility

The proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons is one of the most pressing security threats of the 21st century. From Sudanese refugees hunted by gun-toting militias to air passengers targeted by shoulder-fired missiles, no one is safe from this deadly scourge.

Providing a gripping overview of these cheap and easily obtainable weapons, the threat they pose in the wrong hands, and strategies for reining them in, this Beginner’s Guide is required reading for anyone wishing to fully understand one of today’s key threats to international peace

Rachel Stohl is Senior Analyst at the Center for Defense Information at the World Security Institute in Washington, DC.
Matt Schroeder is the Manager of the Arms Sales Monitoring Project at the Federation of American Scientists.
Colonel Dan Smith (Ret.) is the Senior Fellow on Military Affairs at the Friends Committee on National Legislation.