James Bevan is an internationally recognized weapon and conflict analyst and Executive Director of Conflict Armament Research. Specializing in the tracing of illicit weapons and ammunition in the world's conflict zones, he has nearly a decade of policy shaping field research behind him. Once a senior field researcher for the renowned Small Arms Survey, he has since worked as a United Nations sanctions inspector; in addition to having provided counsel and instruction on issues related to armed conflict and the illicit proliferation of weapons and ammunition to numerous governments, international organizations and private entities. James Bevan has lived and worked among rebel forces, armed groups and communities in conflict. Noted for having worked with the warring Turkana of Kenya, the Toposa of South Sudan and the Karimojong of north-eastern Uganda, he developed his skills as an arms specialist in these theatres and has published their conflict dynamics to wide acclaim. He has also tacked the operations of the Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army; supported investigations in Afghanistan, Darfur and Iraq; investigated breaches of the UN sanctions on Côte d'Ivoire, and has contributed to several international diplomatic processes related to weapons, ammunition and armed violence. James Bevan continues to provide training and advice on conflict research and methods of tracing weapons and ammunition to numerous entities, encompassing international organizations (including United Nations peacekeeping forces, NATO and the OSCE), national militaries, police forces and non-governmental organisations.In 2011, James Bevan founded Conflict Armament Research Ltd. The company provides technical solutions to governments, international organisations and research institutes seeking to address the destabilising impact of armed conflict and the proliferation of weapons, including in-theatre research on armed conflict.