Rising Pentagon Budgets Amid No Active War

The U.S. Pentagon budget has reached historic levels despite the absence of any active, large-scale wars, with current figures comparable only to the early 2010s. This phenomenon stems from a long-standing commitment to global military dominance, which has become increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. The justification for continued increases in spending includes the perception of threats from China and the ongoing legacy of past conflicts like the war on terror. This situation reflects a disconnect between budget growth and actual military readiness, as resources are consumed by poorly performing programs, such as the infamous F-35, which boasts a low mission-capable rate.