The Global Gun Epidemic

"Professors Cukier and Sidel have written the most authoritative book on the subject, a fair-minded analysis of the current global gun epidemic. The book provides both the scientific evidence about the misuse of guns internationally, plus a recipe of what can be done to reduce the problem. The authors are not only respected academics, but passionate advocates for public health and safety. This book should be read by anyone interested in improving global public health." -- David Hemenway, PhD, Professor of Health Policy, Harvard School of Public Health, Author of Private Guns Public Health "[A] much-needed comprehensive and well-documented yet remarkably readable review of guns and gun violence as a threat to human rights and public health all over the world. Violence has played an important part in South Africa's history and violence has been called the greatest threat to human rights in our country, but South Africa is determined that peace will be its future. South Africa has therefore recognized the importance of strengthened gun control laws, intended not only to reduce the misuse of guns in our country but also, because of the impact South African guns have in the region, to reduce their misuse in southern Africa. Since strong anti-gun laws have an important international role in shaping both use and values, it is vital that all countries do their share in combating this global epidemic." -- Archbishop Emeritus Desmond M. Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate, 1984, South Africa "At last we have a thorough and readable book on the global epidemic of gun violence that examines this deadly scourge in all of its critical dimensions! Wendy Cukier and Victor Sidel draw on studies from around the world to demonstrate how uncontrolled gun trafficking is endangering the lives and safety of people everywhere. They also show in practical terms how we protect ourselves from this plague through concerted international action. An important book at a critical moment in human affairs." -- Michael Klare, Professor of Peace and World Security Studies, Hampshire College "All too often, the debate over tougher gun laws ignores many important by-products of gun violence. Wendy Cukier and Victor Sidel have done a great service in bringing attention to global challenges brought about by increased gun violence. Gun violence has drained many public health systems, endangers human rights, and threatens many nations' homeland and national security. The Global Gun Epidemic is a must read for anyone on either side of the gun violence debate." -- Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)

An overview of the global problem of gun violence. Just as guns know no borders, gun violence has become a global epidemic, killing many people each year and injuring many more. Virtually every illegal gun begins as a legal gun. This book documents the global gun trade, its threat to public health, and efforts to remedy the situation.Cukier and Sidel provide a much-needed overview of the global problem of gun violence as a threat to public health, including the effects of violence, the sources of firearms (both legal and illegal), the factors shaping demand, and the interventions aimed at reducing the misuse of guns. Just as guns know no borders, gun violence has become a global epidemic, killing hundreds of thousands of people each year and injuring many more. The toll is staggering. Experts estimate that there are 35,000 annual gun-related deaths in Brazil, 10,000 in South Africa, 20,000 in Colombia, and 30,000 in the United States. While guns kill or maim great numbers of people in war zones, two thirds of small arms are in the possession of civilians. Although guns do not in and of themselves cause violence, they increase its lethality and fuel cultures of violence. This book documents the global gun trade, its threat to public health, and efforts to remedy the situation. Virtually every illegal gun begins as a legal gun. With the globalization of trade in licit products has come the globalization of the illegal trade in guns. For example, weapons originating in the United States fuel violence in Canada, Latin America, and as far away as Japan. And unregulated ownership of guns fuels crime. Because weapons tend to flow from unregulated areas to regulated areas, international cooperation is critical, but global efforts have been hampered by major arms producers and gun lobbies such as the National Rifle Association. Since 1998 there has been an emerging global movement to control the illicit trade and misuse in guns, and many countries have moved to strengthen their gun laws in an effort to combat this global epidemic.