Armament,Disarmament and the Third World: the importance of information

Abstract

Research in developing countries into armament and disarmament is hampered by the reluctance of governments to release information and data pertaining to defence and national security. In fact, the production, sale and purchase of military technology is well-documented, but most of this information is to be found in the industrialized countries. The Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, England, is planning to compile a guide to sources for research in this field, designed specifically for Third World researchers. The proposed contents of the guide are outlined. A possible follow-up project would be the creation of an international network of armament and disarmament researchers.