The Dealing of Arms and International Relations Theory

First an introduction to the dealing of arms is appropriate.  This industry is most developed in the most powerful countries in the world.  The website http://www.controlarms.org/  provides pertinent and eye-opening information.  The five permanent members of the United Nations (US, UK, France, Russia, China), sell 80 percent of the legal weapons worldwide.  From 1998-2001 the US, UK, and France earned more money from selling weapons to developing countries than the aid they gave those same countries.  And as recently mentioned in class, the US dwarfs the entire world in regards to the amount of money it spends on its defense/security/arms.

            Liberalists would probably hold that this situation has gotten out of hand and needs reformed.  However due to the interdependence and anarchic nature of the international system change will be slow and painful.  They believe that individuals are good and change can come from anywhere from states to NGOs and international organizations.

            Realists would hold that this industry is really power, which is really security.  Dealing arms = lots of money = security.  The realist theory says that the international system is complete anarchy and the only way to protect oneself is to be a player in the balance-of-power system.  The US is clearly doing a good job. 

            The radicals might hold that those producing the arms have all the power.  If the US produces the guns they have power, if Chinese workers make the guns they have the power, and so on.  These factories and workers can protest and everything can fall apart.  Yet as long as the workers produce the arms, the global powers in the core will exploit those countries outside of the core in the periphery through the capitalist system.

            Constructivists say that the dealing of arms has been completely created by the beliefs and ideas of the ruling elite.  Since Bush definitely believes in the importance of dealing arms, it has become important.  Everyone’s ideas matter, but in a logical way only the ideas of the rulers really get put into play.  Through democratic practices hopefully we can put rulers into power who do not want to continue the unbelievable industry of arms.

            I think it is easy to look at facts, see pictures, and watch movies about this situation and realize the cruelty and objectivity of it all.  US companies such as Lockheed-Martin and Boeing produce ridiculous amounts of weapon and perform tremendous amounts of research.  These products and the information help other countries fight wars and ultimately kill thousands of people.  Yet the power created through our dealing of arms keeps us alive.  Since the United States has such global power we are able to live freely.  I am able to wear whatever clothes I want, pray or not pray to whatever deity I want, and get a tattoo on my face like Mike Tyson if it so pleases me.  As I begin to learn about this process, I don’t want to hate too much on the US.  Yes I would like things to be different, but I have to count my blessings as well.