JUST PUBLISHED: New Study on Factors Fuelling the Demand for Firearms in the Western Balkans
SEESAC has published a new study - Understanding the Factors Fuelling the Demand for Firearms in the Western Balkans - Research Findings and Recommendations. The regional study offers valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners working to prevent and reduce firearm demand in the region and seeking to understand and address the complex motivations behind firearm acquisition.
Employing a robust mixed-methods approach, the study provides an in-depth, data-driven analysis of the risk and protective factors influencing firearm ownership in the Western Balkans. It gathers data from over 6,200 respondents across six jurisdictions and includes 18 focus group discussions, crisis group deliberations, more than 40 expert interviews, a review of over 30 local firearms laws, and an analysis of online discussions related to firearms.
The findings show that demand for firearms is shaped by a combination of factors, including feelings of personal insecurity, prior experience with firearms, cultural inheritance, institutional distrust, and the legacy of the past. The study introduces a new theoretical framework that examines firearms demand through the lens of preferences, prices, and resources, considering both risk factors (such as norms related to masculinity and distrust of law enforcement) and protective factors (such as institutional trust and effective regulation).
While insecurity is a key driver of demand for firearms, the research reveals that confidence in their protective value remains low. Demographic factors such as age and gender play an important role, with men, particularly younger adults, showing higher interest than women. Cultural norms, traditional practices, and complex legislation further influence attitudes toward firearm ownership.
The study underscores the need for a multi-layered strategy to reduce firearms demand, grounded in a clear understanding of the region’s social, economic, and cultural contexts. It concludes with six strategic recommendations, including education campaigns, enhanced public security, improved firearm licensing, and leveraging digital platforms to challenge pro-gun narratives.
The study is available in English, Albanian, BCMS, and Macedonian.
The regional study was conducted under the regional project „Support for Enhancing the Fight Against the Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans” funded by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II). This publication marks an important step toward developing effective, evidence-based strategies for firearms demand reduction in the Western Balkans, aligning with SEESAC's ongoing efforts under the 2025-2030 SALW Control Roadmap.