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Over the last ten years, military spending increased the most in Eastern Europe, which rose by more than 160 percent, ahead of Central America, at 111 percent. This is explained by Ukraine's defense spending increasing rapidly, especially after the country was invaded by Russia in 2022. On the other hand, military spending in Central Asia fell by 25 percent.

The Russian-Ukraine War

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been a major driver of military spending since beginning in 2022. Military spending has increased rapidly in both countries, but this growth has been more drastic in Ukraine than Russia. Moreover, spending by NATO members has also increased since the beginning of the war, increasing by billions between 2022 and 2024.

Tensions in East Asia

East Asia is another region where military spending has increased over the past decade. Tensions have increased in the South China Sea, especially between Taiwan and China, as nations in the region lay claim to islands in the area. In 2016, countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan were most concerned about territorial disputes with China. By 2024, these concerns have remained relevant in Asian societies. For example, over half of survey respondents in the Philippines indicated they were most concerned over tensions in the South China Sea compared to other security issues.