Critics who claim that the sale of U.S. military equipment

Critics who claim that the sale of U.S. military equipment to other countries is destabilizing and leads to war take a narrow view of history. War occurs when one country gains a military advantage over another. By selling arms, the U.S. can ensure that the military balance among countries is maintained and war avoided.

1- The above argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
A) Arms sales by the U.S. do not lead to wars between countries
B) Critics do not understand military history
C) Countries can accurately determine one another's military strength
D) Arms imbalances stimulate conflict between countries
E) Critics misunderstand the principle of military balance between countries

2- Which of the following, if true, most weakens the above argument?
A) Military equipment is usually used to intimidate rather than to actually conduct war
B) A country's military strength depends on military equipment rather than on the expertise of military commanders
C) The sale and delivery of military equipment is usually known only by the two countries involved
D) The military advantages of all countries are well known by the U.S.
E) Military equipment sold by the U.S. to other countries is less sophisticated than the equipment it produces for itself