The podcast explores the intersection of economics and military spending, using game theory to analyze its necessity. It discusses the positive economic contributions of military spending, such as technology development and government stimulus programs, while also highlighting the destructive consequences of conflicts. The application of game theory to global military spending, including the prisoner's dilemma and alliances, is explored. Additionally, the podcast delves into how military spending affects global geopolitics and highlights disparities in purchasing power between countries.
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Quick takeaways
Military spending stimulates the economy by providing salaries, training, and technological development that benefit civilian life.
Game theory explains the balance between minimal military spending and self-defense in the face of threats.
Deep dives
Global military spending surpasses trillions of dollars
In 2022, global military spending reached over 2.2 trillion US dollars, exceeding the economic output of all but the largest seven countries worldwide. Recent increases in spending can be attributed to factors such as the Ukraine invasion, tensions in the South China Sea, and uncertainty surrounding military alliances. This substantial allocation of resources towards destruction contrasts with studies suggesting that world hunger could be eradicated with just $330 billion US dollars over the next decade.
Productive aspects of military spending
While military spending is often seen as wasteful, there are some productive contributions it makes to the economy. One major aspect is the stimulus it provides through salaries paid to defense force personnel, who then spend money in the economy. Additionally, militaries offer training and education opportunities, addressing skills gaps when individuals transition into civilian life. Furthermore, military spending fuels the development of technologies, such as GPS and the internet, which have had tremendous civilian applications and added trillions of dollars in value to the global economy.
Game theory and the rationalization of military spending
Global military spending can be rationalized through game theory, which studies the most logical actions for rational participants in a given situation. The prisoner's dilemma thought experiment demonstrates how self-interest can lead to suboptimal outcomes, similar to the world of military spending. The optimal outcome for countries would be minimal military spending, focusing resources on more productive public services. However, the fear of being exploited by other countries creates a balance where multiple countries develop self-defense capabilities. This game theory is particularly relevant among allies, where countries strive to spend as little as possible on their military within the context of defense agreements. China's significant military spending poses a threat, leading to strange outcomes like Australia spending billions to protect trade with China from China. Game theory provides a framework for understanding these seemingly irrational actions and finding slightly less detrimental outcomes.
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Is $2.2 trillion per year wasted on the military, or is this massive spending necessary to defend the freedoms we enjoy? In this video we explain why military spending may be a necessary evil using the prisoner's dilemma and reframing some narratives about military spending you may have heard.