| | by admin | | posted on 18th March 2025 in International Alignments | | views 1255 | |
Campaign Against Arms Trade challenges the global arms industry, spotlighting the ethical, environmental, and political consequences of weapons sales through peaceful protest and public advocacy.
Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) was founded in 1974 in the United Kingdom by a group of peace activists, including members of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Their motivation was simple but powerful: to oppose the growing trade in conventional weapons that was fuelling global conflict and propping up oppressive regimes.
CAAT quickly became a unique voice in the peace movement, focusing specifically on the arms industry and the government policies that support it. Their early efforts centred on exposing the UK's role in the global weapons market and challenging arms fairs, particularly those held in London.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, CAAT built a reputation for effective, non-violent direct action and research-based campaigning. They worked to highlight the connections between the UK government, arms manufacturers, and regimes with poor human rights records, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.
One of CAAT’s most notable successes came in 2008, when it played a key role in a legal case that halted the Serious Fraud Office’s investigation into BAE Systems' arms deals with Saudi Arabia. The case raised public awareness about corruption and secrecy in arms trading, and it elevated CAAT’s role as a watchdog over government and corporate practices.
Today, CAAT continues to challenge the UK’s arms trade—particularly exports to countries involved in conflict or human rights abuses. One of their major ongoing campaigns is against arms sales to Saudi Arabia, especially in light of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, which has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. CAAT has taken legal action against the UK government, arguing that these sales violate international law.
Another key campaign focuses on ending the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair in London. CAAT regularly coordinates peaceful protests, vigils, and public awareness events around DSEI, bringing together activists from across the UK and beyond.
Although independent, CAAT often works alongside other organisations such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Stop the War Coalition. These partnerships allow for broader outreach and unified calls for change, particularly on issues where arms trading intersects with environmental harm and militarism.
Greenpeace, known for its environmental activism, has supported CAAT’s efforts where military operations or weapons production contribute to environmental destruction. Together, these organisations advocate for a world where peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability take priority over profit and power.
At the heart of CAAT’s work is a belief that the global arms trade exacerbates conflict, undermines development, and supports oppressive governments. By advocating for transparency, democratic accountability, and divestment from arms companies, CAAT aims to shift public policy and public consciousness.
With over four decades of experience, CAAT remains a powerful voice for peace, continually adapting its strategies to confront new challenges in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Their work reminds us that ordinary people can challenge powerful industries—and, sometimes, win.
Campaign Against Arms Trade badges & campaigns and Campaign Against Arms Trade website (opens in a new tab).