Frontline/World-Small Arms, Big Problems

While concerns about proliferation of weapons of mass destruction abound, much of the tragedy and instability in the world is actually caused by small arms- rifles, pistols, light grenade launchers and the like. Conflicts in Africa, Latin America and Asia are fueled by a seemingly endless supply of guns and ammunition, yet most of these arms are manufactured elsewhere. This program, in association with Frontline/WORLD, offers the opportunity for a rare glimpse into the shadowy world of small arms trafficking. We will begin with a short Frontline/WORLD documentary on the arms that fueled the bloodshed in Sierra Leone. This fascinating piece of investigative journalism uncovers where the guns that fueled the bloody conflict there were manufactured and how these weapons managed to travel thousands of miles for use in the fighting. Following the screening of the documentary, a panel of experts will discuss the scope of the problem in Africa, Latin America and worldwide. Kathi Austin, Director of the Arms and Conflict Program at the Fund for Peace Edward J. Laurance, Professor of International Policy Studies, Monterey Institute of International Studies; former UN consultant William Godnick, Policy Advisor for International Alert's Security and Peacebuilding Program Seating is limited at film screening events, pre-reservation is recommended Registration - 5:30 PM, Program - 6:00 PM, Members - FREE, Nonmembers - $12 Suggested Donation, At the Council, 312 Sutter Street, SF/CA