Publication

This report examines the US arms sales process and provides recommendations on how it might be amended to reduce the risk of harm to civilians in conflict. More specifically, the text looks at 1) legal obligations and requirements the US is subject to in accordance with international law, treaties and arms transfer agreements; and 2) existing US government processes used to sell weapons through commercial and government-to-government transactions; and 3) gaps and risks in these processes that increase the possibility of adverse or unintended consequences, especially for civilians in conflict.