The New Geopolitics of Arms Transfers

The chapter discusses the re-geopoliticization of arms transfers in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It raises questions about whether Western arms suppliers should review their export policies, whether Asian countries will become the new arsenal of the world, and whether the West and the Rest will grow apart in their arms acquisition patterns. The chapter argues that the renewed strategic importance of arms transfers should feed into future arms export policy decisions, and Western suppliers should reconsider the sale of weapons to countries that do not implement sanctions against Russia. The global arms trade is undergoing significant changes due to the geopolitical context, with Western arms suppliers focusing more on domestic and European markets and the decline of Russian exports creating opportunities for Asian countries such as China and South Korea to play a larger role. Overall, the chapter provides insights into the changing dynamics of the global arms trade.