£561 billion (1,058 billion USD)
£37 billion (70.5 billion USD)
Which is the value of the world's arms trade and which is the world's aid budget? Think carefully you only get two guesses!
The financial value of the world's dirtiest business (and there is great contention for that title), the arms trade, is expected to set a net record this year, exceeding cold war spending according to a report in the Guardian. The report also notes that western firms are increasingly resorting to "flat pack" methods of supplying components, rather than completed weapons, to avoid embargos and other restrictions.
The trade is dominated by western firms with the US, the UK, France and Germany making up four of the top five. Rounding out the top five is Russia. The five permanent members of the security council, ostensibly the world's peackeepers (hah!), account for over 80% of the turnover. This business in death is a grave and global concern that must be addressed. Today in a letter to the Times fourteen religious leaders from all faiths call for the passage of an international treaty regulating the trade currently under discussion.
But when there's billions to be made....tough choice.
£37 billion (70.5 billion USD)
Which is the value of the world's arms trade and which is the world's aid budget? Think carefully you only get two guesses!
The financial value of the world's dirtiest business (and there is great contention for that title), the arms trade, is expected to set a net record this year, exceeding cold war spending according to a report in the Guardian. The report also notes that western firms are increasingly resorting to "flat pack" methods of supplying components, rather than completed weapons, to avoid embargos and other restrictions.
The trade is dominated by western firms with the US, the UK, France and Germany making up four of the top five. Rounding out the top five is Russia. The five permanent members of the security council, ostensibly the world's peackeepers (hah!), account for over 80% of the turnover. This business in death is a grave and global concern that must be addressed. Today in a letter to the Times fourteen religious leaders from all faiths call for the passage of an international treaty regulating the trade currently under discussion.
But when there's billions to be made....tough choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment