Global Military Spending Reaches Record High Amid Rising Tensions

A new report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies highlights a surge in global military spending, reaching $2.2 trillion last year, as countries respond to rising tensions fueled by events such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Hamas attacks on Israel, and China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. The report warns of a "more dangerous decade" characterized by increased military power and the desire for stronger defense ties among democracies. NATO members have notably increased military expenditure by 32% since 2014, with renewed attention on European defense spending following former U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks. The report also notes the influence of the war in Ukraine on military planning in other countries, emphasizing the shift from a "just-in-time" to a "just-in-case" approach.