The 15 chapters of this volume offer up-to-date analysis of the current issues and status of the global arms industry. Issues addressed include how the defense industries are being globalized, the hierarchy of defense producers and their imitators, global small arms industry, and the impact of information technology. Five of the chapters address regional industries in the US, China, Russia, Europe, and emerging industries. The material is accessible to college students and the general reader and useful for its presentation of current research in the field. Several appendices provide names and terms, information about related organizations, and key defense companies. The editor and many of the contributors are with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological U. in Singapore. The remaining contributors are academics and specialists at institutions in Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)