Disarmament: Global Military Spending Statistics

Some Statistics about Global Military Spending

• In 2007, the world spent $1.339 trillion on military expenditures. This is up from roughly $120 billion, or $0.120 trillion, in 1970. This represents more than a 1100% increase in fewer than 40 years.
• During the seven years preceding 1968, the United States Government spent $384 billion on defense. In 2009 alone, it spent $541 billion.
• The amount spent represents $202 for each person in the world. Meanwhile, the United Nations spends only about $3 for each person in the world.
• Military spending accounts for 2.5% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• US military expenditure accounts for 45% of the world total
• Other big spenders include the United Kingdom, China, France, and Japan, each with 4% to 5% of the world share.

Growth in Spending

The biggest recent increases in military spending have come from the United States, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and India. Between 1998 and 2007:

• American military spending soared 218%
• China's by 39%
• Russia by 22%
• Saudi Arabia by 13%
• United Kingdom by 12%
• India by 9%

The US Government Budget Makes the Case for Disarmament

In the United States Federal budget:

• 44% of allocations go to the military and the cost of past wars
• 11%, to interest paid on non-military debt
• 20% to health care
• 12% in response to poverty
• 7% to governmental operations
• 3% to science, energy, and the environment
• 2% to education and jobs
• 2% to diplomacy and needs abroad

In the face of these statistics, the case for disarmament is compelling, or is it?