Abstract

PEREZ RICART, Carlos A.. Do more arms equal more violence? Evidence of a complex relationship from Latin America. Perf. latinoam. [online]. 2022, vol.30, n.59.  Epub Apr 28, 2023. ISSN 0188-7653.  https://doi.org/10.18504/pl3059-011-2022.

The article aims to examine the relationship between violence and small arms and light weapons (SALW) availability among civilians in Latin America. The article argues that the causal relationship between high rates of arms availability and high rates of violence does not hold for every context, nor for the entire region. However, in specific circumstances high rates of arms availability do trigger violent situations. By analyzing and synthesizing empirical academic contributions to this discussion, the article aims to contribute to the research field on violence, criminality, and security in the region. The article calls for further comparative and empirical research that might answer questions around the complex relationship between violence and arms availability among civilians in Latin America.

Keywords : weapons; homicides; violence; flow of illicit arms.

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