Rising global military spending, led by NATO, impacts domestic health, UN budget, and SDGs.
Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, driven by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. NATO's pledge to increase member nations' defence expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035 is a key driver. The US, China, Russia, Germany, and India are the top five spenders. This increased militarisation is criticized for crowding out domestic health spending, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It also negatively impacts the UN's budget, which is facing cuts due to insufficient funding, partly from US foreign aid reductions. Furthermore, rising military spending hinders progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty eradication, health, and climate change.
Key Points
- Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, marking a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, primarily due to ongoing conflicts.
- NATO members have pledged to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant rise from the previous 2% target.
- Increased military spending is shown to crowd out domestic health spending, particularly in middle- and low-income countries, and negatively impacts the UN's budget and its ability to fund humanitarian aid.
- The rise in military expenditure diverts crucial resources, hindering progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty, health, and climate change.
Exam Facts
- Global military spending was $2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% increase.
- NATO pledged to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
- The top five military spenders are the US ($997B), China ($314B), Russia ($149B), Germany ($88.5B), and India ($86.1B).
- The UN's latest budget is $44 billion, but it received only $6 billion in six months.
- India's military spending is 2.3% of GDP, while public health expenditure is 1.84% of GDP.
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