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Arms transfers and international relations theory: Situating military aircraft sales in the broader IR context

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  • Spencer L Willardson

    (Stephen F. Austin State University, USA)

  • Richard AI Johnson

    (University of Strathclyde, UK)

Abstract

Quantitative research on arms transfers has not adequately accounted for broader theories of international relations. We review the specialized literature on arms transfers and examine how arms transfers fit with the broad international relations theories. We derive and test seven hypotheses based on realist, liberal and constructivist theories using a dataset of all non-US/Russian aircraft transfers between 1990 and 2010. We find limited support for realist hypotheses. We find little support for hypotheses derived from the Democratic Peace literature, but some support for liberal trade arguments. We also find some support for constructivist arguments based on shared identity and prestige measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Spencer L Willardson & Richard AI Johnson, 2022. "Arms transfers and international relations theory: Situating military aircraft sales in the broader IR context," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 39(2), pages 191-213, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:39:y:2022:i:2:p:191-213
    DOI: 10.1177/0738894221992034
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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