An Alternate Theory for the Acquisition of Arms to the Collective Goods Theory: A Structural Theory of Armaments

Abstract

This article offers an alternate theory for the acquisition of arms to the collective goods theory. Deduced from structural neorealist principles, this structural theory of arms acquisition shows how structural forces at work shape and condition arms acquisitions for a particular country much more than what is commonly acknowledged. It supplements what is lacking in the collective goods theory of arms acquisition, namely the postulates of the structure part and the link between interest and structure. This study accounts for the disproportionate expenditures in terms of system-wide structure and polarity, as well as lower sub-systemic structures such as relational and dyadic structures.