Topic:
Country: United States of America
Delegate Name: Anna Crum
Committee: Disarmament & International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topic: Reduction of Military Budgets
Country: The United States of America
Delegate: Anna Crum, Kalamazoo Central High School
Reducing military budgets is by no means a new topic for debate on the international stage. The numerous benefits and losses are weighed out by each country, and while each state strives to allocate according to need and increase their countries security and wealth, it is no easy task. Funds that may be essential for functional infrastructure or food insecurity are pushed towards military budgets. The root of this often stems from fear. In an effort to protect the state, survival may be placed above health. However, the goal of every nation is to thrive. We must ensure economic growth and long term stability for all nations.
When it comes to USD alone the United States puts the most money of any country into its military budget. This being states the USD goes different lengths depending on the nation. Looking at PPP or percentage of GDP used in the Military will give a more accurate idea of how budgeting is working internationally. As of 2022 the US spends approximately 3.5% of its GDP on its military budget, putting the US behind Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Algeria, Kuwait, Israel, Russia, and Greece. While the US supports a state’s sovereignty to decide how best to protect themselves and deter enemies of the state, the people of a nation should not be left to suffer as their leaders start wars. The needs of the people must come first. While the people may need protection from other states, to neglect the other needs of the people is to set the state up for disaster. Moving forward, solutions should ensure the allocation of funds to the most necessary sectors. Nations with fully active military and plenty of deterrence should not be using more than 4% of their GDP on weaponry when they could work to improve infrastructure and ensure economic development.
To continue movement towards state success and economic development funds must be allocated with the future of a nation in mind. State success is an enduring process. The fall of a nation may happen quickly through war, or it may happen over decades of economic neglect. While having the capability to protect the state is necessary, that cannot be the only focus. GDP must be spent in a plethora of ways to ensure state success. Ensuring the longevity of states and the success of its people must be prioritized. The international community will come together to make this happen. Each state has their own individual circumstances. The United States has been lowering their percentage of GDP allocated to their military budget. This trend has its benefits and states should recognize the potential in following the UNODA suggestions of allocating funds widely.
