Research Paper – Comparing Military and Human Security Spending: Key Findings and Methodological Notes

Abstract

This paper leverages publicly available data to compare trends in government spending on the military
with spending on human security (social protection, education, and health). It also examines whether military spending crowds out policy measures governments have taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In both high- and low-income settings, the pandemic has exacerbated gender inequalities with respect to health and well-being; domestic and care work; relational (domestic) violence; and work and poverty. While some countries have taken measures to address these issues, in others they have not been prioritized. This analysis raises questions about the extent to which this can be attributed to a lack of fiscal space resulting from prioritizing the military. Spending patterns and trade-offs in fragile and conflict-affected countries are highlighted in particular.