Publication

This paper examines the role of inter-state confidence-building measures (CBMs) in their attempt to counteract problems associated with the legal and illegal flow of weapons in Latin America. These problems include concerns over national stability, regional balance-of-power and the ability of certain rebel groups (e.g. the FARC in Colombia) to get hold of excess weaponry. The authors detail historical threats in Latin America, the development of CBMs in the region, and the political conditions under which they operate, using the example of Venezuela's arms acquisitions during 2005. The paper concludes that whilst CBMs can facilitate the strengthening of interstate relations through information sharing and transparency, their overall effectiveness has been reduced due to both an absence of political stability in the region and differences of political culture with the US. Nonetheless, Venezuelan-Colombian bilateral discussions on arms issues in 2005 have helped to facilitate improved information sharing, and have served to provide recognition of the positive role played by CBMs in reducing regional tensions.