Publication

The publication examines illegal and legal possession of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Russian Federation. The authors stress the historical precedents that led to Russia's role as one of the world's top producers and exporters of SALWs, specifically the legacy of the Kalashnikov. They conclude that the demand for SALWs has dwindled in the domestic market following the break-up of the Soviet Union, and that the industry is orientated to exporting weapons abroad.