Illustrated Myths of the Global Arms Trade

Myth 1: Higher military spending equals increased security. Fact: As one country seeks security with increased armament and military spending, it can create insecurity in others, triggering an arms race that makes everyone less secure (Artist: Gianfranco Uber).

Myth 2: Military spending is driven by security concerns Fact: The decisions to build, sell or buy weapons often have little to do with defending the nation. Other factors at play include claims that weapons systems generate economic benefits; and pure corruption (Artist: Tomas).

Myth 3: We can control where they go after they’re purchased. Fact: Diversion of arms from their intended recipient is a common problem. Arms dealers can easily fake end-user certificates so that weapons supposedly destined for a ‘legitimate’ state recipient are diverted to a war zone (Artist: Sergii Fedko).

Myth 4: National arms industries are technologically innovative job creators Fact: Even in the biggest arms producers, the military sector is only a small proportion of the economy, and the arms industry is only a tiny proportion of employment — and the role of arms exports is even smaller (Artist: Paolo Lombardi)

Myth 5: Arms Trade Corruption is only a problem in developing countries Fact: Corruption is a feature of the arms trade the world over, developed and developing countries alike (Artist: Vladimir Khakanov).

Myth 6: National security requires blanket secrecy. Fact: Governments tend to apply wide-ranging secrecy to military, intelligence, and security matters far beyond the legitimate demands of national security (Artist: Tomas)

Myth 7: Now is not the time. Fact: It is indeed more necessary now than ever to challenge the fear-mongering that justifies the global arms business, massive militarization and securitization, and the resort to military force that brings about so much destruction and perpetuates a cycle of instability, fear and violence (Artist: Pete Kreiner aka PEK).

Myth 8: There is nothing we can do. Exposing these myths reveals the final and most important fact: CHANGE IS POSSIBLE Together, we can foster an evidence-driven, accountable and transparent public discussion of the global arms business (Artist: Anne Derenne).