Journal Two Is Partially Based On The Movie Lord Of War

Journal Two is Partially Based Upon The Movielord Of War Prior To Comp

Journal Two is partially based upon the movie Lord of War. Prior to completing the assignment, if you haven't already done so, read chapters 4 and 5. Also, each of you will need to watch the movie. For your convenience, you can click here to begin the film. Victor Bout, the person on whom Lord of War was based, was arrested in 2008 in Bangkok, while attempting to sell arms to US investigators posing as Colombian FARC rebels. Though initially Thailand was uncooperative, Bout was extradited to the US on November 16, 2010 (despite opposition from the Russian government). The US Department of Justice charged Bout with a number of terrorism offenses; however, none of the crimes were committed in the US (global policy). His field of operations included Afghanistan, Angola, Congo, Liberia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. The US and UK reputedly have used Bout's services to bring shipments into dangerous zones of Iraq as well. Bout was serving a 25-year prison term; however, in December of 2022, the US exchanged Bout for Brittney Griner. Using a minimum of 550 words and a maximum of 750, address the following: What is the current state of arms trafficking, and who are the major players? What policies and/or procedures can be put into place to limit arms trafficking globally? In the movie Yuri stated that he was a necessary evil. Do you agree with his sentiments? Why or why not? Proper grammar, spelling, and syntax are expected! Also, do not plagiarize! Your similarity index should be at or below 18%.

Paper For Above instruction

The issue of arms trafficking remains one of the most complex and persistent challenges in global security. Despite international efforts to curb illegal arms trade, it continues to thrive due to numerous factors, including weak enforcement, corruption, and demand in conflict zones. Recognizing the current state of arms trafficking requires an understanding of its key players, mechanisms, and the policy measures necessary to limit its proliferation worldwide.

Today, arms trafficking operates on a transnational scale, involving a network of sophisticated actors. Major players include state and non-state groups, organized crime syndicates, corrupt officials, and private arms dealers. Notoriously, some former and current governments have been implicated in trafficking arms, either directly or through corruption, providing a supply chain that feeds conflicts globally. Non-state actors such as rebel groups, insurgents, and terrorist organizations are heavily dependent on illicit arms to sustain their operations, often sourcing weapons from prolific traffickers or black markets. Organized crime syndicates exploit porous borders and weak regulatory frameworks to smuggle weapons across countries and continents. The example of Victor Bout, depicted in the film Lord of War and his real-life criminal enterprise, exemplifies these major players operating in shadow economies, supplying weapons to conflict zones with little oversight.

Efforts to combat arms trafficking include a combination of policy initiatives, international treaties, and enforcement mechanisms. The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), adopted in 2013 under the auspices of the United Nations, is a landmark agreement aimed at regulating the international trade of conventional weapons and reducing illicit transactions. It emphasizes strict licensing procedures, transparency, and accountability. However, despite its widespread adoption, not all nations have ratified or implemented the treaty fully, creating loopholes. Strengthening national export controls and customs inspections, improving intelligence sharing among nations, and increasing penalties for traffickers are vital steps. Moreover, addressing corruption within enforcement agencies and military establishments is crucial, as corrupt officials often facilitate illicit arms flows.

Another promising policy approach involves enhancing technological surveillance—such as monitoring systems, tracking devices, and data analysis—to detect and intercept smuggling activities in real-time. International cooperation through frameworks like INTERPOL’s arms trafficking database also provides law enforcement with vital information and coordination capabilities. Additionally, greater efforts are needed to dismantle illegal arms markets, including targeting intermediaries and laundering networks that disguise the origin and destination of weapons. Education and awareness campaigns within countries can also help reduce domestic demand for illegal arms, which indirectly supports trafficking networks.

In the film Lord of War, the character Yuri describes himself as a “necessary evil,” a phrase that reflects the morally ambiguous justification for arms dealing in conflict zones. I believe this sentiment is problematic because it implies that illegal arms trade can be justified as essential or inevitable. From an ethical perspective, arms trafficking exacerbates violence, prolongs conflicts, and causes humanitarian suffering. Rather than viewing traffickers as necessary, we should recognize that they perpetuate cycles of violence and undermine peace efforts. While it’s true that some argue certain conflicts cannot be resolved without access to weapons, the overall impact of illicit arms trade is overwhelmingly negative, contributing to instability and loss of innocent lives. Therefore, I disagree with Yuri’s characterization, understanding that his view is rooted in a pragmatic, yet morally questionable, perspective that prioritizes profit over human life and stability.

References

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