Global military expenditure and the international arms trade are driven by changing economic circumstances, shifting priorities, emerging security threats, and regional and international instability. Examining the recent trends in the global arms market and in the budgets of government militaries allows us to identify potential hot-spots and future areas of concern.
Each year, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) releases data on current trends in military spending and international arms transfers. SIPRI’s Military Expenditure Database contains information on defense spending by almost all countries, and monitors broader trends that emerge over time. Likewise, SIPRI’s arms transfers database identifies top exporters and importers of conventional weapons. Drawn from open source documents, SIPRI’s databases provides analysis on the economic, political, and security drivers that influence military spending around the world and offers insights into their implications for global peace, security, and development.
This event was co-hosted by SIPRI, the Forum on the Arms Trade and the Stimson Center.
WHAT: A discussion on military spending and international arms transfers, and potential implications on U.S. national security and foreign policy.
Featuring:
Gordon Adams, Distinguished Fellow, Stimson Center
Aude Fleurant, Director, Arms and Military Expenditure Programme, SIPRI
Aaron Mehta, Senior Pentagon Correspondent, Defense News
Rachel Stohl (moderator), Senior Associate, Stimson Center