Publication

This paper examines three recent developments in the manufacturing, technology, and design of small arms as well as how new technologies can be used to improve small arms control. The authors contend that the new developments (polymer frames, modular weapons, and 3D printing) pose a serious challenge to the implementation of existing arms control measures, such as the UN Programme of Action (PoA) on small arms and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI). However, they also argue that new technologies can provide improved options for small arms control, including for weapons marking and record-keeping, stockpile management, and the prevention of unauthorized use.