(The) dynamics of the global arms trade and nuclear trade networks

Abstract

State actors must establish security strategies in order to protect their interests and prosper in today’s international relations climate. Understanding whether neighboring states maintain friendly or hostile relations with others is also essential. In establishing security strategies, this analysis of relationships is an important process. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mechanisms of relationship formation between states using data on the arms trade and nuclear trade, which provides important clues for research on security strategies. The arms trade and nuclear trade have both economic and political significance. By analyzing the mechanisms of formation of the arms and nuclear trades, a universal principle of relationship formation between states can be identified. I use the exponential random graph model (ERGM) to achieve this study objective. The results of this analysis reveal that a state’s stability (instability) and level of democracy affect formation of the arms trade network, and a state’s economic power, military power, and environmental policies affect the formation of the nuclear trade network.