Illustrated Myths of the Global Arms Trade

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: Pete Kreiner).

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 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).