This research studies the international economic dimensions of military expenditures and arms transfers.

Past experience shows that a committed American effort can lead to international agreements to limit arms transfers.

It would bar arms transfers to countries that did not meet a set of standards on democracy, human rights and international conduct.

Investigation of possible illegal arms transfers is often done by the Customs Service.

Policing arms transfers is difficult under the best of circumstances.

Countries in the region received about $89 billion in arms transfers from 1984 through 1988.

Provides statistical information on military expenditures, arms transfers, armed forces, and related economic data for 172 countries, 1989-1999.

The government believes strongly that arms transfers must be managed responsibly.

"This sad history," the report says, "is powerful evidence of why the United States should never become involved in arms transfers."

Nowhere else is there such a sharing of information about arms transfers.