Drones, Arms Trafficking, and Security Risks in Southeast Asia - Michael Picard
This video examines the evolving role of drones and illicit arms in Southeast Asia’s security environment. The speaker discusses how drones are appearing both in state military forces and among armed groups, particularly in Myanmar, where commercially available drones have been adapted for conflict use. While drones have not yet appeared widely in other low-intensity conflict zones, the speaker suggests that broader regional proliferation may only be a matter of time.
The discussion also explores the fragmented nature of arms trafficking in Southeast Asia, where geography, national firearms laws, and local security conditions shape how weapons move and are used. The speaker emphasizes the importance of localized responses, including public education, community engagement, gun amnesty programs, and stronger monitoring of arms trafficking trends. The video also highlights the challenges of researching illicit arms markets, where official reporting is often limited and local investigative partnerships are essential.
Speaker Biography
Michael Picard is an independent researcher who focuses on arms trafficking, corruption, and conflict. He has researched and authored publications for several organizations, including the HALO Trust, Transparency International, The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, the Small Arms Survey, and the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health. His work has focused heavily on arms control and trafficking challenges in Southeast Asia, and he has written NGO reports, academic book chapters, and short analyses on the subject. Picard is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, where he focused on conflict management and international economics.
