Porte y tenencia legal de armas de fuego para civiles como una medida de seguridad en el Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines, from a legal, sociological, and public policy perspective, the relationship between civilian carrying of firearms and citizen security in Ecuador. It begins with the Weberian concept of the legitimate monopoly of force, through which it analyzes how the security crisis and the expansion of organized crime strain the social contract and fuel the demand for armed self-protection. The literature review shows that legal carrying of firearms may offer limited benefits in terms of self-defense and perceived security; however, it also entails significant risks, such as increased lethality in everyday conflicts, suicide, domestic violence, and even the potential diversion of weapons into illicit markets. The research concludes that the carrying of firearms could contribute to citizen security only if it is integrated into a comprehensive public policy framework, with rigorous controls, mandatory training, and strengthened institutions, thereby maintaining the State as the principal guarantor of security and a culture of peace.