In most national budgets, key defence line items like equipment, training, and research are almost always going to be somewhat pricier than equivalent civilian expenses, simply because defence forces have to plan for a near-infinite number of unlikely scenarios. Given the somewhat abstract benefits of owning weapon systems that may never be used, it’s not surprising that defence spending is controversial in virtually all modern democracies, particularly in nations undergoing economic difficulties.
Superficially, it seems to make sense to cut back on defence spending in peacetime. After all, why waste millions of dollars a year to maintain weapons that would never be used on an enemy? This seemingly sound reasoning is something that you will hear time and time again from politicians and laypeople the world over.
Policymakers, however, must recognise the multifaceted and very real benefits defence investments bring. At a very basic level, most people understand that defence line items are a form of national insurance—you get them with the hope that you never have to use them. In reality, these investments serve national interests almost from the moment they are made. Countries that make the right investments in defence will be immediately empowered to do the following:
1. Protect National Security
A credible defence posture keeps one’s nation safe from both external and internal threats. That said, obtaining such a posture is not necessarily straightforward with the rising costs of maintaining military manpower and materiel. Fortunately, nations with these challenges do have options for mitigating costs, including mutual defence agreements, engaging with defence contractor agencies, and developing focused defence infrastructure that is tailored to a country’s specific threats.
2. Strengthen Diplomacy
It’s often left unspoken that the ability of nations to achieve peaceful resolutions hinges on their defence establishments’ prowess. A strong defence sector directly aids nations’ diplomatic efforts by limiting rivals’ abilities to push limits and force unequal arrangements.
3. Create Domestic Economic Activity
Defence technology investment invariably catalyses domestic economic activity. A thriving defence industry creates jobs, stimulates innovation, and creates technological advancements that have spill-over effects across other sectors of the economy. From research and development to manufacturing and supply chain management, defence investments always create jobs and business opportunities, driving economic development and upward mobility.
4. Provide Additional Capabilities to Civilian Leadership
In regular practice, defence infrastructure can often be repurposed to address a wide range of civilian challenges. Disaster response, for instance, is one area where militaries are exceedingly valuable. The supply chain and manpower infrastructures used to capacitate defence systems are frequently used not just to help in domestic calamities, but to provide vital assistance to overseas communities as well.
5. Nurture Innovation in Non-Military Technologies
The nurturing of defence sector research invariably leads to explorations of areas that are not currently viable in the commercial sector. Indeed, technological advancements in the defence sector often lead to breakthroughs in civilian technologies. The internet, modern shelf-stable foods, microwave ovens, super glue, and GPS are just some of the technologies that we use every day that originated in military research.
6. Proactively Counter Emerging Threats
It’s often said that armies are only prepared to fight the last war. This has never been more true than in the present. In the past few decades, we’ve seen malicious actors innovate in cyber and asymmetric warfare, often catching defence forces completely unprepared. Enabling smart proaction in a national defence structure requires ongoing investment as well as an appreciation of what different threats represent.
7. Effectively Meet International Commitments to Allies
Many countries today are part of defensive pacts and mutual defence treaties that require specific levels of commitment. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members, for instance, are obligated to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence. The failure to keep up with defensive commitments is very often a source of tension between otherwise cooperative allies and does often make a serious impact on the credibility of defence treaties. Maintaining sufficient defence investments can, therefore, be seen as a way to keep alliances and all they represent viable.
8. Defence Spending Helps Improve Labour Pools
Developing a credible defensive posture these days demands a lot of specialised labour. This includes not only military personnel but also engineers, scientists, analysts, and technicians who contribute to various aspects of defence, such as research and development, cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, and manufacturing of advanced weapons systems. The skills necessary to sustain an innovative defense establisment are, in most cases, beneficial in civilian contexts, resulting in societal and economic benefits to a country as defense workers eventually transition to civilian careers.
More Than Security: The Hidden Value of Smart Defense Expenditures
Beyond simple deterrence, policymakers must recognise the diverse benefits defence investments bring. History shows that smart defence expenditures enable more than just national security. When properly managed, these investments can also strengthen a nation’s economy, diplomatic influence, and capacity for innovation. By educating their electorate on these benefits, policymakers in democratic states can go beyond being simple custodians of national interests and become drivers of meaningful nation-building.
