The first section of the paper explains why manifestations of intrastate and social conflict throughout the world in the 1990's are primarily determined by the ready availability and use of small arms either by warring factions or by the public at large. This is a direct result of the glut of weapons that was freed from constraints in the context of the Cold War. This is followed by a review of United Nations efforts at peacekeeping and disarmament in various regions of the world. The second section of the paper focuses on the problem of small arms proliferation in southern Africa. It cites studies that have shown that large numbers of light weapons and small arms were transferred, both covertly and overtly, to Africa between 1970 and 1990. These transfers of weapons were occasioned by aggressive foreign policies instituted by both the United States and the Soviet Union in their bid to contain or expand their support of various warring parties and insurgent groups in Africa. Other more current factors that have contributed to small arms proliferation in southern Africa are identified as well. The paper then concludes that although precise quantification of the numbers of weapons cannot be determined, it is clear that the numbers of arms and ammunition circulating in the region are vast. The paper then assesses the adequacy of current responses to the problem and proposes features of an integrated and comprehensive response. A 40-item bibliography and appended paper on existing small arms initiative, and their effect on southern Africa