Weapons Acquisitions Trends in Emerging Powers and the Implications for the US Defense Strategy

The impact and role of emerging powers has been addressed primarily from an economic point of view. Most emerging powers are emerging powers in the first instance because of their economic performance. However, non-economic interests and the potential impact that these emerging powers may have in shaping the security environment have not been rigorously or systematically addressed. The role that these countries may play in multilateral arms organizations and in the greater international weapons trading industry should be carefully reviewed. The potential impact that these countries can have in altering the security environment may influence the US in more ways than one.

The Capstone team produced a The Capstone team produced a report  on are Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Turkey. As key emerging powers, these countries possess similarities in the extent to which their economies and political influence are expanding. Though, admittedly, geographically disperse, the report identified each country’s diverse set of strategic objectives, aiming for a comparative

analysis, and determine any patterns in weapons procurement that is seen across the board, and

the implications that their arms acquisition programs pose for the US.