Chapter 5 Current Events

Military spending has reached historic levels both in the United States and globally. The United States government is currently seeking 1.5 trillion for defense as part of the 2027 budget, which would boost military spending to its highest level in modern history (CNN, 2026; National Guard Association of the United States, 2026). This represents roughly a 40% increase compared to the previous year, building on the already large $1 trillion defense budget in 2026 (USAspending.gov, 2026). Much of this funding is aimed at expanding the Navy, stockpiling weapons and ammunition, and developing advanced missile defense systems. One of the major initiatives included in this budget is a new missile defense system known as the “Golden Dome,” which reflects growing concerns over national security and global conflict. Relating this to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 8 and Sustainable Development Goal 16, increased military spending could contribute to job creation and wage increases, with proposals suggesting a 5–7% pay raise for military personnel (United Nations, 2024a; United Nations, 2024b). Globally, the trend is similar. Worldwide military spending surpassed $2.6 trillion, driven largely by Europe increasing defense budgets in response to the Russia-Ukraine war and growing concerns over China’s military expansion (National Defense Magazine, 2026; International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2026). NATO has also raised its long-term spending target for member nations, reflecting a broader shift toward militarization in response to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. These global increases highlight how security concerns are shaping economic priorities, raising important questions about the balance between defense spending, economic growth, and the goals of peace and strong institutions outlined in SDGs 8 and 16