ARMes

Armes is the French term for weapons and, in English, for arms or weapons in a broad sense. The word denotes objects or devices designed to injure, disable, or destroy, used in military, law enforcement, sport, and hunting contexts. The study of arms covers their development, use, regulation, and cultural impact. The term derives from the Latin arma, meaning tools or implements.

Classifications commonly distinguish small arms (handguns, rifles, shotguns), artillery (cannons and howitzers), and explosive or incendiary devices such as grenades and bombs. Other major groups include missiles and guided munitions, armor and vehicles, and melee weapons like swords and knives in historical contexts. Sporting arms describe weapons used for target shooting or hunting, while ceremonial or decorative arms may hold cultural significance without practical use.

Historically, weapons evolved from stone and wooden tools to metal blades and armor, followed by gunpowder-based firearms in medieval Asia and Europe. The industrial age enabled mass production and standardization, transforming warfare and arms governance. In contemporary times, advanced arms include precision-guided munitions, unmanned systems, and nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, which are subject to strict international controls.

International law and policy seek to regulate arms to reduce suffering and prevent unauthorized access. Arms control treaties cover trade, transfer, and prohibitions (e.g., arms trade treaties, export controls, non-proliferation regimes, and conventions addressing chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons). National laws regulate ownership, registration, and safety, balancing security needs with civil liberties and humanitarian concerns.