Restriction of arms supply

Nature

Governments may apply restrictions on the sale of arms to another country. Such restrictive measures may only come into force when the recipient country becomes involved in an international conflict, when it is feared that the supply of arms to countries in conflict will implicate the supplier in the dispute and compromise its neutrality. Such policies effectively prevent the supply of spare parts and replacements in times of conflict, thus endangering the military viability of the recipient country and its ability to defend itself against aggression.

Incidence

Restrictions on arms supply have significant global repercussions, often affecting the security dynamics of entire regions. Such limitations can leave states or groups unable to defend themselves against aggression, exacerbate power imbalances, and contribute to humanitarian crises. The scope of this issue is evident in numerous conflict zones where embargoes or export controls have altered the course of wars, sometimes prolonging violence or undermining peace efforts.
In 2023, the European Union imposed an arms embargo on Sudan following the outbreak of intense fighting between rival military factions. This restriction limited the Sudanese government’s access to weapons, impacting the conflict’s progression and humanitarian situation.