This book investigates how international norms regarding small arms and light weapons have emerged and evolved within the framework of global governance. Denise Garcia, an expert in international security, utilizes a constructivist approach to analyze the complex interplay between state actors, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions. The text argues that the regulation of small arms is not merely a technical challenge but a normative process that reflects shifting priorities in human security and global stability.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of humanitarian concerns and arms control policy. Readers frequently note the academic rigor and the clear, systematic breakdown of how international agendas are constructed in the post-Cold War era.