US Military Spending
Description:
After declining in the post-cold war era of the early 1990s, global military spending is on the rise again – threatening to break the one trillion dollar barrier this year, according to a group of UN-appointed military experts. The 16-member group estimates that military spending will rise to nearly $950 billion by the end of 2004, up from $900 billion in 2003. By contrast, rich nations spend $50-60 billion on development aid each year.
Enablers:
- Conflict in Afghanistan
- War in Iraq - Concern with global terrorism after the attacks on New York and Washington
Inhibitors:
- Acceptance of other countries.
- Deals between the countries to limit the military spending
Paradigms:
Old: The US is an isolationist state protected by oceans and thus needing a very small military
New: The US is the world military superpower needing massive military spending.
Experts:
Timing:
1941 US Enters WWII
1945 End of WWII
1945-1991 Cold War
2001 September 11 attacks
2003-present Iraq War