Why Global Military Spending is Increasing?

Описание: The Global military spending is increasing continuously. In 2019 worldwide military spending hit 1.9 trillion dollars. But as the pandemic hit the global economy. It is commonly expected that military spending should come down drastically. But many experts believe that this drop could be for a very short duration.

After the end of World War 2 the military spending worldwide, actually saw a decline. But this decline did not stay much longer. As an cold war triggered between the United States and the Soviet Union. Hence this started a race of new generation of weapons. This included the development of New generation submarines, Planes, and much more. It also included advancement in nuclear systems, and delivery system such as ICBM and missile defense systems. These new generation equipment costed significantly higher than its previous generation. As you can see in this graph, the military spending continuously increased from start of the cold war, and it peaked in the 80s.
But suddenly after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Military spending declined sharply. And the US remained the single superpower, and largest spender on its military. In fact, in 1998 global military spending has seen the biggest decline since the start of the cold war.
But then in 2001 the worst tragedy 9/11 happened. And this started the conflict against terror. As a result the global military spending increased at an record speed. Global powers such as Britain, France, and other NATO members also participated in this. This conflict was targeted on many extremist groups. Which operated mainly in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and some other parts of the world.
But it is not just the war on terror, which is responsible for a massive increase in military spending in the recent times.
It is actually the rise of China.
You see after economic development in China, they started to invest heavily in their military. China's global share in military spending increased from just 2% in 1990 to nearly 14% in 2018. And that makes China the 2nd largest military spender. This massive investment is playing a key roll in moderation of the Chinese military.
Although it's not just the military spending, but China's aggressive behavior from the past few years that worries most of the world. And this aggression is increasing rapidly. From the south china sea to the Himalayas china has a territorial dispute with 18 countries. And because of China's rise, other Asian countries like Japan, India, and Taiwan are also ramping up its military capabilities. In fact border tension between India and china is forcing India to mobilize its troops to china border. And also to buy, and upgrade its military hardware.
Yet this is creating an economic burden on India. As they are also facing economic decline due to the pandemic.
This regional border tension of China is not just to expand their territory, but it is also a way to showcase the military capabilities, and to emerge as a regional superpower.
The US has noticed China's intensions long ago. And looking at these challenges, the US is also ramping up its military capabilities. In 2018 the US defense budget was reached 649 billion dollars, which is an increase of 4.7% from 2017. It was the first time since 2011 the US has increased its military budget. So far US the largest military spender. And China still lags behind significantly.
Another main player emerging in this race is Russia. With its cutting edge hypersonic technology and advanced cyber capabilities, Russia is back in this great game. Since 2011 Russia is constantly increasing its military budget to modernize their military.
At the end, increase in military spending does not necessarily mean that there will be a conflict in the coming future.
Today due to globalization and economic ties, no country can afford a conflict.
Although in today's world, diplomatic peace full resolutions would be preferred. So rise in military spending could be sign of precautionary measures of the countries, or to create their sphere of influence. As they still can't deny the possibilities of conflict.

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