Do you know why I do what I do? I mean, there are more prestigious assignments. Keeping track of nuclear arsenals. You’d think that more critical to world security, but it’s not. No, nine out of 10 war victims today are killed with assault rifles and small arms like yours. Those nuclear missiles, they sit in their silos. Your AK-47, that is the real weapon of mass destruction.
~ Lord of War
I was working on a project on weapons of mass destruction, especially on nuclear weapons, when I first watched this movie.
Although war is no longer a legitimate tool of statecraft as it was centuries ago, bullets change the government in many countries nowadays. AK-47 has been the most effective weapon that could change warfare for it is so cheap, accessible well-functioned and indestructible. Every year, around a quarter million people are killed by the AK-47. However, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is not just a problem of illicit trade, but a problem of politics. Strong powers could support a certain side of the conflict in a low profile through intelligence agencies and arms dealers. Given the power politics behind SALW and the nature of contemporary conflicts, the practical protection for civilians, especially children and women became a complex issue.
This is why I am interested in rules of war or human security. These immediate threats to human beings.
Although war is no longer a legitimate tool of statecraft as it was centuries ago, bullets change the government in many countries nowadays. AK-47 has been the most effective weapon that could change warfare for it is so cheap, accessible well-functioned and indestructible. Every year, around a quarter million people are killed by the AK-47. However, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is not just a problem of illicit trade, but a problem of politics. Strong powers could support a certain side of the conflict in a low profile through intelligence agencies and arms dealers. Given the power politics behind SALW and the nature of contemporary conflicts, the practical protection for civilians, especially children and women became a complex issue.
This is why I am interested in rules of war or human security. These immediate threats to human beings.
2 comments:
Have you read the book AK-47 by Larry Kahaner? I thought it was a fascinating look at the history of this weapon. While is has been criticized for its political leanings, I thought it was a great book!
I like your article. You've got something from a movie and you started to think about something serious...good job.
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