Protect Defense Integrity

THE ISSUE

Protecting the integrity of the global arms trade is critical to ensuring international security and promoting U.S. national interests. Bribes to foreign officials have led to the purchase of helicopters unable to perform critical military operations and the diversion of firearms to criminal gangs and warlords. U.S. defense company bribes to foreign officials have also fostered anger and organized opposition to the United States, undermining broader foreign policy goals.

As the country with the largest volume in arms exports each year, U.S. officials have a unique set of challenges and opportunities in curbing corruption in the weapons trade. They should ensure U.S. officials are not unduly influenced by foreign governments to approve arms deals that skirt U.S. laws, regulations, or policies and they should investigate and penalize foreign defense companies and officials from engaging in corrupt arms deals.