In December 2009, the United States joined 150 countries in launching the formal process towards an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to require UN member states to improve the regulation international transfers of conventional arms. This short briefing note explains how U.S. support for an Arms Trade Treaty would: be consistent with long-standing U.S. arms control legislation; support major existing U.S. policy goals for U.S. arms exports; support U.S. efforts to protect national and regional security and stability, a central stated goal of U.S. policy regarding the ATT.
