This book investigates the legal and administrative mechanisms governments employ to regulate the international transfer of arms and prevent illicit proliferation. Author Ian Anthony, a researcher associated with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), provides a comprehensive analysis of how states fulfill their obligations to monitor and supervise weapon movements. The text examines the intersection of national legislation and multilateral agreements, establishing a framework for understanding the complexities of global arms control policy.

Experts recognize this monograph as a foundational reference for understanding the regulatory landscape of the international arms trade during the late 20th century. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which serves as a primary resource for students and policy analysts focused on security studies.