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80 percent of the export of armament in the world comes…

“80 percent of the export of armament in the world comes from the G8 countries. [The] United States alone exports about 50 percent of the world's armament, [for] which, of course, there has to be buyers, and the buyers are very terribly keen, very often military dictator[s] or sometimes not…” quote by Amartya Sen
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“80 percent of the export of armament in the world comes from the G8 countries. [The] United States alone exports about 50 percent of the world's armament, [for] which, of course, there has to be buyers, and the buyers are very terribly keen, very often military dictator[s] or sometimes not military dictator[s] but for military purposes. But the sellers are also promoting this trade. And two thirds of the arm exports go to developing countries. I'm in favor of putting a control on it, a ban on it.”

Amartya Sen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The US and G8 dominate arms exports, often to dictators, prompting a call for bans and controls.

In simple terms: US leads arms trade, many buyers are dictators; bans needed.

Key Takeaway

Support stricter arms trade regulations.

Themes

arms trade global power dictatorship ethics

Mood

concerned analytical

Type

ethical policy

When to use this quote

  • policy proposal
  • global security debate

Key Concepts

international law human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives exist to reduce illicit arms flow?
A Different Perspective

Implementation faces political resistance.

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