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The world reached a new record in military spending in 2024, with 2.7 trillion dollars, which translates to an average of 334 dollars per year per person, according to a UN report released this Tuesday.
The figure highlights the growing gap between the increase in defense resources and commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, it is equivalent to the Gross Domestic Product of the entire African continent and surpasses that of more than half of the Latin American countries, reported the agency EFE.
If the trend continues, spending could reach 3.5 trillion by 2030 and 4.7 trillion by 2035, five times more than at the end of the Cold War, warns the report.
The report highlights that global military spending is 13 times greater than the development aid from wealthy countries and 750 times the regular budget of the UN.
"Excessive military spending does not guarantee peace. These expenditures divert necessary investments in health, education, employment, or protection against flooding and droughts," warned the Secretary-General, António Guterres, during the presentation of the report.
The document emphasizes that a 1% increase in military spending in a low-middle-income country results in equivalent cuts to public health programs. Furthermore, it notes that the defense industry creates fewer jobs than civilian sectors: 1 billion in military spending creates 11,200 jobs, compared to 26,700 jobs that the same investment would generate in education or renewable energies.
The UN warns that with less than 4% of global military spending, we could eradicate hunger in the world by 2040; with just over 10%, vaccinate all children on the planet; and with 15%, cover the climate adaptation needs of poor countries.
Another paradox highlighted in the report is that Africa, despite being the scene of multiple armed conflicts, accounts for only 2% of global military spending, even though it hosts 20% of the world's population.
The report concludes that the current escalation of investment in armaments increases the vulnerability of poorer countries and delays the goals of sustainable development, while benefiting major powers and the arms industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Global Military Spending and Its Implications
What was the global military spending record in 2024?
In 2024, global military spending reached a record 2.7 trillion dollars, which is equivalent to an average of 334 dollars per year per capita, according to a UN report.
How does high military spending affect the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The UN report highlights that the increase in military spending widens the gap between resources allocated for defense and commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which delays development targets and increases the vulnerability of the poorest countries.
What impact does military spending have on job creation compared to civilian sectors?
The UN report states that the defense industry generates fewer jobs than the civilian sectors. An expenditure of 1 billion on weapons creates 11,200 jobs, whereas the same investment in education or renewable energy would create 26,700 jobs.
What percentage of global military spending would be needed to eradicate hunger in the world?
According to the UN, with less than 4% of global military spending, hunger could be eradicated worldwide by 2040, highlighting the disparity between defense spending and humanitarian needs.
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