Support The Moscow Times!

Military Spending Up in Russia, Down Elsewhere

Military spending in North America and most of Western and Central Europe fell in 2012 but increased in Russia, Eastern Europe and developing countries, according to a report released Monday by an independent research institute.

The world's total military spending dropped 0.5 percent in real terms to $1.75 trillion, equivalent to 2.5 percent of global GDP, while Russia's military spending rose 16 percent and will continue growing through 2015, said the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report.

U.S. military expenditure fell 6 percent in real terms in 2012, but it was still 69 percent higher than in 2001.

Between 2008 and 2012, 20 of the 37 countries in Western and Central Europe reduced military spending by more than 10 percent in real terms.

Related articles:

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more