Smart Guns and Their Role in Light Weapons Trafficking in Nigeria - Research Proposal Example

Smart Guns are not disruptive elements but play a significant role in handling illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) trafficking in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa alongside international arms trade treaties. Name: Institution: Smart Guns are not disruptive elements but play a significant role in handling illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) trafficking in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa alongside international arms trade treaties. 1. Abstract In most countries, certain individuals are given the permission to handle weapons that are usually considered to be illegal. However, there are also those who obtain them without the knowledge of the top authorities. As such, there has been an increased rate of gun trafficking in most of the West African countries that include Nigeria. However, in West Africa the idea of smart guns has been understood to be a significant contribution towards the handling of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALWs). This action is taken alongside the treaties that have been developed in relation to the international arms trades. Besides this, they also ensure that necessary measures are placed to ensure that the gun is only used by the appropriate owner. With this, a number of technological advancements have been used to make sure that the set standards and regulations are appropriately followed. Above all these, the introduction of the smart guns that possess higher levels of technological advancements have ensured that guns not only land in the rightful hands but are also operated by the licensed individuals. Besides, they also come with technological advancements that make it possible for the relevant authorities to realize instances when the guns are being helped by the wrong people. In this way, most of the catastrophic situations that were initially associated with irresponsible gun handling have been significantly reduced leading to an increase in safety of most citizens and the reduction of the related deaths and injuries. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Problem background 4 Problem statement 5 Significance of study 5 Previous Research Findings 6 Relevant Theoretical Perspective/ Framework 8 Research Methodology 9 Survey or descriptive research design 9 Interviews 9 Questionnaires 10 Focus groups 11 Historical or archival research design 11 Observation or Field research design 12 Preferred research design: Triangulation 13 Research Ethics 14 Anticipated Problems 14 References 15 Introduction Problem background Since the end of the Nigerian-Biafra war in the late 1960s the issue of proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) has been intensive. Schroeder et al. (2006) suggest that during this era most of the weapons that were used were acquired from the Cold War era. According to Hazen and Horner (2007), the problem has intensified significantly in the whole of the Western African region due to a surge in weapons trafficking (Lumpe, 2000; McDonald, 2008). Several recommendations have been offered but lack of proper implementation has led to an increase in the proliferation and circulation of illicit SALWs in the region. According to Schroeder et al. (2006), the main source of illicit SALWs in West Africa and Nigeria in particular is the weapons black market. Most of the weapons sold in the black market are stolen (Lumpe, 2000; Johnson, 2014). Smart guns were developed to curb gun violence and other accidents associated with unauthorized use of guns (O’Brien, 2014). According to O’Brien (2014), smart guns are developed technologically to communicate with their legitimate or authorised owners using various technological enhancements. Some of the earlier versions of smart guns used magnetic rings and bracelets for activation (The Economist, 2013). These guns required that the magnetic ring or bracelet should be within a designated distance in order for the gun to operate (The Economist, 2013; O’Brien, 2014). This dictates that the gun handler has to wear the ring or bracelet for the weapon to operate (The Economist, 2013; O’Brien, 2014). More recent inventions have incorporated biometric technology with gun hardware creating a gun that is activated by the finger print of the authorized gun handler (O’Brien, 2014). The most recent improvements on this technology are based on dynamic biometric identification (The Economist, 2013). This type of smart gun records key individual attributes such as hand pressure, skin texture and other such details to ensure that the weapon only works in the hands of the designated or legalized user (The Economist, 2013; O’Brien, 2014). Problem statement The invention and improvement of smart guns has received massive support in the world. However, there are some skeptics who insist that this technology limits the operational and functional efficiency of guns (The Economist, 2013; O’Brien, 2014). Smart guns are aimed at controlling the use of guns by unauthorized persons like children (O’Brien, 2014). They are also aimed at curbing gun stealing because a stolen smart gun is inoperable in the hands of another user. In regard to the issue of illicit SALWs in West Africa smart guns can assist to reduce the trafficking of stolen guns (Lumpe, 2000; Berman and Leff, 2008). Although smart guns continue to raise some skepticism such as the risk of hackers infiltrating their identification interface, their effect in controlling unwarranted gun use cannot be ignored (UNDP, 2008). Smart guns are not disruptive but if combined with other gun control treaties and practices they play an important role in controlling illicit SALWs in the world. Significance of study The purpose of this study is to analyse the operational advantages of smart guns in controlling unauthorized gun use. The research will then assess how these advantages can affect the trafficking of illicit SALWs (Berman and Leff, 2008). Finally, the research will draw conclusions on the effect of smart guns in controlling illicit SALWs in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. Previous Research Findings The issue of illicit SALWs in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa has been researched and studied by many scholars and other affected agencies because of the atrocities that have been perpetrated in this part of the world (Cukier, 2008). However, the effect of smart guns in controlling illicit SALWs has not been researched sufficiently because smart guns are a new invention (Jekad, 2005; Cukier, 2008). In this regard, this reflection will draw conclusions based on existing theories for curbing illicit SALWs and the discussed advantages of adopting smart guns. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) conducted a research regarding the proliferation, circulation and impact of illicit SALWs in West Africa (ECOWAS, 2008). The research was conducted using various research designs including interviews, field research and secondary data sources from relevant records (ECOWAS, 2008; Egungbemi, 2013). According to the research, illicit SALWs enter the West African region in a number of ways. According to Bourne (2007), the first route is through porous borders in countries such as Nigeria, which facilitate SALWs smuggling. According to Keili (2008), another opportunity for trafficking SALWs occurs during armed conflicts, and in this situation different factions exchange weapons. SALWs are recycled and sold after armed conflicts end to other ongoing conflicts (Imobighe, 2003). Another source according to this research is from local gunsmiths especially in Ghana (Nichols, 1991). Mercenaries that operate freely in these countries also assist in the proliferation and circulation of these weapons in West Africa (Bourne, 2007) According to these findings smart guns can reduce the circulation of SALWs by ensuring that illegally acquired SALWs are inoperable. The operation of a smart gun is limited to its legal owner and hence their adoption will mean that although existing SALWs continue to be used new smart SALWs will not be trafficked (Egungbemi, 2013). The Small Arms Survey 2013 conducts annual weapons surveys on weapons globally (Florquin, 2013). In the Small Arms Survey 2013 the team found that SALWs were also acquired from corrupt government officials (Egungbemi, 2013). The survey also found that some of the SALWs were stolen from state armories, private owners and/ or government forces (Nichols, 1991). Smart guns can be effective in curbing this practice if they are used in a country with a favorable government policy on SALW monitoring and accountability. The survey also found that some of the trafficked SALWs were stolen, amplifying the role of smart guns in reducing illicit SALWs (Hazen and Horner, 2007; Florquin, 2013). The Small Arms Survey conducted another study regarding was the source and effects of small arms in West Africa, and concluded that in addition to the above sources of illicit SALWs states were also selling illegal arms (McDonald, 2008). The study was conducted across many countries in Africa and the methods used for data collection included archival research, interviews and field research (Nichols, 1991). The study found that some states facilitated the sale of illicit SALWs to further their economic and political objectives by using complex networks and covert operations to hide their involvement (Hazen and Horner, 2007; McDonald, 2008). The study alluded that some countries in West Africa sold SALWs to neighboring militia groups during armed conflicts (Lumpe, 2000). In this perspective, smart guns may not control this trend because governments can acquire SALWs directly from manufacturing companies and sell them to these groups. According to Florquin, 2013), this practice demands the strict implementation of the Arms Treaty in Africa which delegates the responsibility of preventing conventional weapons from reaching the black market on individual states (McDonald, 2008). The treaty also forbids the sale of weapons to governments involved in criminal activities such as terrorism (Imobighe, 2003). Relevant Theoretical Perspective/ Framework All scholars and government agencies propose a combination of factors to curb illicit SALWs including strict enforcement of the Arms Treaty in West Africa, strict enforcement of SALW favorable government policy on illicit SALWs and use of tracing technology (Imobighe, 2003). In this model, the use of smart guns cannot be over emphasized as a technological method for controlling illicit SALWs. Smart guns can be combined with existing strategies to compliment their effectiveness in curbing illicit SALWs. Considering the huge amount of SALWs in circulation in West Africa, there is bound to be skepticism on the effect of smart guns in controlling their trafficking (Jekad, 2005). However, the convincing argument in this research is that smart guns will control the acquisition of additional firearms in West Africa (Johnson, 2014). Illicit arms trade generates about $1 billion in the world meaning that more weapons are purchased throughout (ECOWAS, 2008). According to Johnson (2014), these weapons end up in the black market, hence if they are produced as smart guns their circulation will be controlled hence curbing illicit SALWs. The perspective of this research is that, although smart guns are not the main solution in controlling illicit SALWs they can complement existing treaties and practices to achieve significant success in curbing this vice. Research Methodology This research will be conducted using qualitative methodology. The research problem will focus on two main issues about the problem statement. The first part will focus on the effect of smart guns in handling illicit SALWs, and the second part will evaluate the problem of SALWs trafficking in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. This approach dictates that the research must be both intensive and extensive (Nichols, 1991; Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). There are several research designs that under qualitative methodology and the most effective are discussed below. Survey or descriptive research design Survey research involves collecting data from relevant and informed participants or respondents using several data collection methods (Nichols, 1991). According to Nichols (1991), surveys obtain massive data which is analysed ensuring that the objectives of the research are achieved satisfactorily. Interviews The first data collection method that will be used is interviews. There are two types of interviews that will be conducted in this research namely; personal or face-to-face and telephone or online interviews (Nichols, 1991; Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). Personal interviews will involve direct interaction with the interviewees in order to acquire firsthand opinions and views regarding these issues (Frey and Oishi, 1995). Telephone interviews will be conducted on respondents who cannot be reached physically due to geographical distances or because of appointment hindrances (Frey and Oishi, 1995). This research will involve the use of both structured and unstructured interviews. Structured interviews will contain prepared questions to guide the interviewer in the interview (Frey and Oishi, 1995). Unstructured interviews will also be conducted and these lack prepared questions but the interviewer will be guided by the respondent in information gathering (Nichols, 1991; Frey and Oishi, 1995). One advantages of using interviews is that they offer detailed data form participants in terms of opinions, personal feelings and opinions. Secondly, interviews achieve a high results or responses providing sufficient data from the research. Thirdly, responses are not influenced and data can be validated making the method credible (Nichols, 1991). The main disadvantage for using interviews is that they are time-consuming and costly to implement. According to Breakwell, Sean and Chris (1995), some interviewers may be biased in data interpretation hence distorting the original responses. Questionnaires Questionnaires will also be used in this research design and these will offer an easy data collection method (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995; Miller and Salkind, 2002). Questionnaires will also be of two types that is; mail surveys and household drop-offs. Mail surveys will involve sending questionnaires in mail to recipients while household drop-offs will involve physical delivery of questionnaires to participants (Nichols, 1991). Questionnaires will be designed in two formats which are; open ended and close ended questionnaires. Open ended questionnaires will have stated response choices while close ended questionnaires will only have the questions (Miller and Salkind, 2002). One advantage of questionnaires is that they are easy to implement and this makes the method practical. Secondly, they collect large data amounts from many respondents in a cost effective way and in a relatively short period of time (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). Thirdly, data obtained from close ended questionnaires can be analysed quickly, efficiently and objectively (Miller and Salkind, 2002). According to Miller and Salkind (2002), one disadvantage of questionnaires is that the responses obtained lack a personal touch in terms of participant emotions, feelings or behaviour. Secondly, data from questionnaires lack validity because the honesty or seriousness of respondents cannot be ascertained (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). Thirdly, respondents may have varying interpretations for the questions offered resulting in distorted and biased responses (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). Finally, the researcher can influence responses through imposed questionnaires. Focus groups In order to acquire collective views regarding the issue, focus groups will also be used. Focus groups will be chosen from suitably enlightened scholars. This method will involve group discussions regarding the research to understand the beliefs and experiences of participants on the issue (Berg and Lune, 2004). One advantage of focus groups is that they offer the researcher a chance to probe the research issue deeply generating in-depth responses and insights (Berg and Lune, 2004). Another advantage is that focus groups responses can be validated because the researcher interacts directly with the respondents (Flick, 2011). According to Johnson (2014), one disadvantage of this method is that focus groups are complicated in terms of implementation. Another disadvantage is that participants can influence each other’s opinions generating biased responses hence undermining its credibility (Berg and Lune, 2004). Historical or archival research design Archival research design is an unobtrusive research design that involves obtaining research information from secondary data sources (Berg and Lune, 2004). Data will be collected from a wide range of up-to-date and relevant books published by credible authors. Other sources of secondary data that will be used include; journals, case studies, historical manuscripts and other relevant documents (Miller and Salkind, 2002; Flick, 2011). Online sources such as eBooks and electronic sources will also be used as a source of stored written data. According to Miller and Salkind (2002), the main advantage of archival research is that it saves resources in terms of time and money. This advantage has been boosted by the advent of technological research tools especially the internet (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). Secondly, this method ensures data accessibility thereby providing sufficient data for the research issue. Thirdly, archival research promotes feasibility of different comparative studies including international and longitudinal comparisons (Flick, 2011). Data from archival studies is easily verifiable ensuring validation and promoting the method’s credibility. According to Flick (2011), one disadvantage of this method is that the research lacks control over the quality of data obtained. Another disadvantage is that the data available may be inappropriate for the research issue (Flick, 2011). According to Breakwell, Sean and Chris (1995), this is because the research may lack the intended data for the specific research issue and this undermines the method’s reliability. Observation or Field research design Observation can be used to study the natural occurrences of these issues. This would involve travelling to and operating in the affected areas to garner direct insight regarding this research issue. However, because of time and money limitations and considering the geographical distance to be covered to reach the affected areas, this option will not be implemented (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). Another impediment for this research design is the risk involved in conducting observation considering the nature of the research. According to Breakwell, Sean and Chris (1995), one advantage of this method is that it ensures a direct and natural data access approach. This makes the method credible in terms of data validation (Flick, 2011). The main disadvantage of this method in this context is its nature of implementation which dictates physical relocation to the area of interest (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). Preferred research design: Triangulation After reviewing the above research designs, the most appropriate approach for this research is triangulation (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995). Triangulation involves combining two or more research designs to achieve optimal research results. This research will combine surveys with archival research to ensure that the two research designs complement each other effectively. The reasons for choosing surveys as one of the preferred research designs are multiple depending on the method used for data collection. Data obtained from interviews ensures validity and makes the method reliable (Miller and Salkind, 2002). Questionnaires ensure that the research can be conducted over a large number of participants inexpensively, and over a short period of time solving the problem of time and resource constraints (Flick, 2011). Data from surveys can be sampled easily and in a short time by using data sampling and analysis software making the method practical (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995; Flick, 2011). Archival research offers credible data that can be verified making the method reliable. This method also ensures data is easily accessible using modern data storage and retrieval systems such as the internet making the method reliable (Breakwell, Sean and Chris, 1995; Flick, 2011). A combination of the two methods ensures that the research conducted ensures easy data access, sampling and analysis. The combination also ensures that data received can be validated enhancing the method’s reliability. The data obtained was then analysed using various methods. The written data was compared and contrasted to get an unbiased understanding regarding the research issues (Flick, 2011). Verbal data underwent discourse and thematic analysis. Research Ethics The major aspect of ethics to be included in this research is to keep all information as well as the informants as private as possible. It will mainly apply to the participants especially those who are directly involved in handling of guns. Any information obtained from them will therefore not be released to unintended parties. According to Frey and Oishi (1995), confidentiality should be exercised when conducting interviews. Issues of deception should be eliminated between the researcher and participants (Frey and Oishi, 1995). There will also be a need to provide security to the people around. It will be achieved through the careful handling of the variables. Mainly, this will be the acquisition and registration of guns since they are delicate objects. It is essential that the methodology to be used has been tested to be as effective as possible based on the high threat associated with any mistaken step within the experiment. One of the most crucial steps is to ensure that the used gun cannot be turned on its owner. Anticipated Problems There is likely problem of inadequate finances as well as the allocated time. They are not sufficient and will thus require the rush and elimination of certain important elements. It will not be easy to visit the entire relevant regions especially those that are considered to be volatile. A great problem will also be presented in relation to the conduction of interviews especially with the perpetrators (Frey and Oishi, 1995). Additionally, there are likely to be a great degree of biases and sentiments among many writers of articles and publications as well as those who will be taking part in interviews. 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