Economist Podcasts Buy the bullet: global defence spending
May 2, 2019
Shishang Choushi, The Economist's defense editor, and Sophie Petters, Paris bureau chief, dive into the surge in global defense spending, especially by the U.S. and China, while some countries face shrinking budgets. They discuss the chaotic May Day protests in Paris, linking the violence to President Macron's challenges in managing public dissatisfaction. The conversation also touches on the historical cycles of military expenditure and conflict, highlighting the tension in international relations.
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Global Defense Spending Surge
- Global defense spending reached $1.8 trillion in 2018, the highest since 1988.
- America and China are driving the increase, prompting responses, especially in Asia.
US and China Lead Defense Spending
- America's defense budget surpasses the next eight countries combined.
- Although smaller, China's military spending is rapidly expanding.
Asian and European Defense Spending Trends
- India now spends more on defense than any European nation.
- Europeans, concerned about Russia, are also increasing defense budgets.
