US increases arms sales abroad and 'helps to exaggerate threats', report says.
A report by the Quincy Institute says that "current US gun policy and practice often fuel wars rather than prevent them."
Sputnik - A report by the Quincy Institute says that "current U.S. gun policy and practice often fuel wars rather than prevent them."
Despite Joe Biden's campaign promise, the US has increased, not decreased, its arms sales worldwide, including to countries with regimes considered repressive by Washington.
The findings are in a report published by the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a Washington-based think tank.
According to researchers, the majority of US sales involve just four companies: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, and General Dynamics.
The four companies were involved in 58% of all major bids made since Joe Biden took office as US president in 2019.
"The concentrated lobbying power of these companies, including a 'revolving door' at the Pentagon's arms sales agency and the leveraging of arms export-related jobs for political influence, was used in efforts to expand U.S. arms exports to as many foreign countries as possible," the report argues.
The publication emphasizes that this behavior often "helps to exaggerate the threats."
US arms deals fell sharply in the first year of the Biden administration, from $110,9 billion (R$ 578,99 billion) in the last year of the Donald Trump administration to just $36 billion (R$ 187,9 billion).
In October, annual arms deals increased to US$65 billion (R$339,3 billion), partly due to increased sales to Europe and Asia.
"Approximately two-thirds of current conflicts involve one or more parties armed by the United States," the report said, adding that "this contradicts the long-held argument that U.S. weapons routinely promote stability and prevent conflict."
Indonesia topped the list of major recipients of US arms deals in September, with $13,9 billion (R$ 67,8 billion) in deals, according to the report. Greece and Germany followed with $10,2 billion (R$ 53,25 billion) and $10,1 billion (R$ 52,73 billion), respectively.
Lockheed Martin had the largest share of major deals. The weapons it produces are the main component of agreements worth US$25,8 billion (R$148,79 billion) since February 2021, according to the report.
"The biggest returns for large contractors come from sales of fighter aircraft, followed by missile defense systems," the report concludes.