Global military spending hit a record $2.1 trillion in 2022, a 2.6% increase from the previous year, driven by the war in Ukraine and NATO expansion, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The United States remained the world’s largest military spender, accounting for 38% of global military expenditure, followed by China (15%) and India (4.1%).
The report found that the war in Ukraine had a significant impact on military spending, with both Russia and Ukraine increasing their spending by double digits. Russia’s military spending increased by 14% to $65.9 billion, while Ukraine’s spending increased by 30% to $8.4 billion.
The expansion of NATO also contributed to the increase in military spending, with several member states increasing their spending in response to the perceived threat from Russia. Germany, for example, increased its military spending by 10% to $76.6 billion, while the United Kingdom increased its spending by 3.5% to $68.4 billion.
The report also found that military spending is increasing in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. This is due to a number of factors, including regional conflicts, terrorism, and the perceived need to protect national interests.
The increase in military spending is a worrying trend, as it diverts resources away from other important areas such as healthcare, education, and climate change mitigation. It also increases the risk of conflict and instability.
.
