Photo: DPABerlin's arms sales compared to the rest of the world have fallen off sharply over the last five years, despite the global arms trade reaching a quarter-century high. Weapons sales over the period 2012-2016 hit their highest point since the end of the Cold War. The USA and Russia were the countries which profited most from this global arms race, both increasing exports by just under a quarter. The report noted that Germany’s arms exports in the five-year period from 2012-2016 dropped by 36 percent in comparison with the preceding five years. He contrasted Germany with France where "there is hardly a public debate on arms exports".

Source: The Local February 20, 2017 16:00 UTC