Arms Embargo

Arms embargo is a global policy instrument intended to prevent arms flows to non-state actors that hamper conflict resolution efforts. It is one of the few tools that can be imposed at an early stage in a conflict, and it can also be a powerful tool to signal disapproval of unwanted policies. However, there are several obstacles that make it difficult to use and effectively implement arms embargoes.

First, weapons are durable goods with long lifespans. As a result, the exporter loses control over how the weapons are used in the recipient country as they age. In addition, they are easily repurposed or reverse-engineered for use by other parties. Second, the process of adopting an arms embargo is cumbersome and leaves room for exploitation by illicit arms dealers. Embargo proposals require consensus from 15 members of the Security Council (5 permanent; 10 rotating), which can create a power asymmetry that allows states to exploit loopholes. Third, multilateral arms embargos often lack effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Sanctions committees depend on the Member States to provide accurate and timely information on arms shipments and the recipients, which can be a challenge in countries with poor governance or limited law enforcement capacity.

Finally, arms exports can heighten ethnic tensions in the recipient country and exacerbate political instability. In fact, evidence shows that negative shocks to arms imports can have the opposite effect of their original intent: by reducing military expenditures, limiting the involvement of the armed forces in politics, and improving democratic indices.