STWR - Share The World's Resources

Over the three years that governments at the UN spent discussing a proposed Arms Trade Treaty, almost 2.1 million people have died as a result of armed violence. Negotiations must begin immediately for a robust treaty to be drawn up by 2012, says a report by Oxfam.

The design of the EU’s security research agenda has been outsourced to the very corporations who will gain most from its implementation. This strategy will encourage militarisation at the expense of human rights and social justice, says a new report by the Transnational Institute.

A number of extractive companies from Europe and Asia are purchasing minerals in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that fuel conflict, lead to militarisation and facilitate the exploitation of civilians, says a report by Global Witness.

Despite a deepening economic crisis, global military expenditure increased markedly in 2008, rising to some $1.5 trillion. US military spending comprised nearly half of this total, easily outstripping its nearest rival China, according to a report by SIPRI.

Since 1990 at least 18 violent conflicts have been fuelled by exploitation and competition over natural resources. The United Nations should integrate strategies of sharing natural resources to ensure post-conflict peace and security, according to a new report by the UNEP.

2008 has seen the security situation in Iraq improve, while Afghanistan and Pakistan still pose challenges. However, with a more internationally engaged US administration, the coming year provides an opportunity and may even be a positive tipping point towards global stability and emancipation, writes Paul Rogers.