The new arms race: How much are the major powers investing and why?

The new arms race among the world's major powers has generated international concern. In recent years, countries such as the United States, China, Russia, and other nations have significantly increased their defense budgets, driven by geopolitical, technological, and strategic factors. This phenomenon not only implies an increase in the acquisition of traditional weapons, but also in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and hypersonic systems.

The figures reflect a significant increase in global military spending, which reached record levels in 2024. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI):

• The United States remains the country with the largest military expenditure, allocating approximately $840 billion annually, representing nearly 40% of the global total.
• China has consolidated its position as the world's second-largest investor, spending an estimated $350 billion , focusing on modernizing its military and expanding its regional influence.
• Russia maintains significant spending, close to $110 billion , with a focus on renewing its nuclear arsenal and strategic capabilities.
• Other major countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom are also increasing their military budgets in response to regional tensions.

The growth in military spending is no coincidence. Several reasons explain this phenomenon:

• Geopolitical Competition: Rivalry between powers, especially in strategic regions such as the Arctic, Asia-Pacific, and Eastern Europe, generates a race to secure superior resources, alliances, and military capabilities.
• Technological innovation: Investment in new technologies such as cyberwarfare, autonomous systems, and hypersonic weapons has heightened the importance of modernizing the military to maintain a strategic advantage.
• National security: The perception of threats, whether direct conflict, terrorism, or hybrid warfare, drives countries to strengthen their defensive capabilities.
• Domestic Policy: In some cases, governments increase military spending to strengthen their political position or respond to domestic demands.

The increase in arms investment has multiple effects:

• Risk of conflict: Increased militarization can increase international tension and the risk of conflict, especially in conflict zones.
• Diversion of resources: High defense spending can affect investment in sectors such as health, education, or sustainable development.
• Dual technological development: Many military technologies find civilian applications, although they also pose ethical and security dilemmas.

For many experts, the key lies in finding a balance between national security and international cooperation. Multilateral organizations and arms control agreements seek to limit proliferation and promote transparency. However, the current arms race highlights the need to strengthen these mechanisms and promote dialogue to avoid a dangerous escalation.