Introduction: Inconspicuous Disarmament
Small arms disarmament is reshaping the global distribution of firearms, light weapons and ammunition. It is far from comprehensive, but much more than cosmetic. Its importance has been widely recognized, but seldom evaluated. The case studies in this volume examine the politics of when surpluses actually get destroyed. When, they ask, is surplus destruction most likely? And what can be done to make destruction more likely? Perhaps the key characteristic shaping small arms disarmament is it has not been treaty-driven. Much of the trouble comparing small arms disarmament to better known programmes comes from the informal nature of these processes. The low visibility also is a side effect of the low visibility of small arms politics generally, typically the responsibility of mid-level officials, with high-level officials mostly playing ceremonial roles. But inconspicuous does not mean unimportant. Small arms and ammunition destruction directly affects prospects for future violence. By eliminating the weapons most likely to be used, it directly limits the dangers of violent crime and terrorism, and inhibits the descent into warfare.
Epidemiologic analysis of warfare. A historical review.
Although warfare is thought to be responsible for high and increasing levels of morbidity and mortality in the modern era, little comparative epidemiologic research is available on the subject. Most research on past wars has been carried out for purposes of military planning. The present report provides an overview of the direct health impacts of various wars on military and civilian populations during the last 200 years. Risk factors for injury and death are analyzed. Changes in weaponry, military strategy, and medical services are found to modify the health effects of warfare.
Warfare in a fragile world : military impact on the human environment
Warfare in a Fragile World: Military Impact on the Human Environment, by ARTHUR H. WESTING. (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, now at Bergshamra, S-171 73 Solna, Sweden.) Taylor & Francis, 10-14 Macklin Street, London WC2B 5NF, England, U.K.; Almqvist & Wiksell International, P.O. Box 62, S-1001 21 Stockholm, Sweden; and Crane, Russak & Co.,3East 44th Street,New York,N.Y. 10017,USA: xiv + 249 pp., tables, 23.5X16X2 cm, £9 or US $27.50, 1980.