Map shows nations raising military spending as global tensions escalate

Newsweek has created a map to show how much money countries around the world spent on defense, as global military expenditure surged to an all-time high of reaching $2.718 trillion.

This marks a 9.4 percent increase from 2023—the steepest annual rise since the end of the Cold War, according to new data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The sharpest rises occurred in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, driven largely by ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as escalating tensions in East Asia.

Why It Matters

SIPRI’s findings illustrate how military investments are being reprioritized globally amid security crises. The increase marks the tenth consecutive year of growth and comes amid record inflation and stagnant humanitarian funding in many regions.

The increases raise questions about long-term economic trade-offs and the future stability of international relations, considering that more resources are being funneled toward defense at the expense of other public spending areas.

What to Know

The United States remained the dominant military power with spending of $997 billion—accounting for 37 percent of the global total and 66 percent of NATO‘s collective $1.506 trillion expenditure. China spent $314 billion, up seven percent from the previous year, while Russia increased its defense budget by 38 percent to $149 billion.

Germany became Europe’s top military spender for the first time since reunification, reaching $88.5 billion—a 28 percent jump. Poland increased its budget by 31 percent to $38 billion. Ukraine’s spending grew to $64.7 billion, 34 percent of its GDP, the highest burden globally.

Israel posted the largest proportional increase worldwide, with its military expenditure rising 65 percent to $46.5 billion in response to war in Gaza and clashes with Hezbollah. Its defense budget amounted to 8.8 percent of GDP, second only to Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia remained the top Middle Eastern spender at $80.3 billion, with modest year-on-year growth of 1.5 percent. Iran, however, saw a 10 percent decrease to $7.9 billion, constrained by international sanctions.

Among Asian nations, Japan’s defense budget rose 21 percent to $55.3 billion—the largest increase since 1952. India’s spending reached $86.1 billion, while Taiwan increased its defense budget to $16.5 billion.

What People Are Saying

Xiao Liang, a researcher at SIPRI said: “As governments increasingly prioritize military security, often at the expense of other budget areas, the economic and social trade-offs could have significant effects on societies for years to come.”

What Happens Next

With 18 of NATO’s 32 members now meeting the alliance’s 2 percent GDP defense target—up from 11 in 2023—the bloc is expected to continue ramping up military investment amid strategic uncertainties and political shifts.

European NATO members alone spent $454 billion last year, spurred by concerns over Russia and potential U.S. disengagement. Meanwhile, countries like Japan, Germany, and Sweden, which joined NATO in 2024, are signaling long-term increases in military budgets.

SIPRI analysts warn that unless there is a political shift toward diplomacy and peacebuilding, the global trend of rising military spending is likely to continue into 2025 and beyond.