The United States Has The Highest Military Budget By Far

The United States Has The Highest Military Budget By Far In The World

The United States has the highest military budget by far in the world. Debate continues over the size of this budget; critics say that the United States would have a higher quality of life if the military budget were reduced and the saved dollars spent on unmet social needs. For this discussion, you are to research the current military budget and discuss your perspective on the current budget. Is it too much? Is it not enough?

Your initial discussion forum posting must be a minimum of 250 words and include at minimum three in-text citations. You must list your reference source at the end of your posting. If you do not list reference(s), you will not receive full credit for your posting. All posts must be posted directly to the forum; do not post any responses as an attachment, or you will not receive credit for the post. You must have a reference. You must complete citations and references using APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The question of whether the United States allocates an appropriate level of funding to its military is central to understanding both national priorities and global security dynamics. Currently, the United States maintains a military budget that far exceeds those of any other nation, with expenditures totaling approximately $801 billion in 2023 (U.S. Department of Defense, 2023). This astronomical financial commitment is driven by a range of factors including advanced technological development, maintaining global military presence, and ensuring national security threats are mitigated.

Proponents argue that this level of investment is vital for maintaining global stability, protecting American interests abroad, and ensuring that the U.S. retains military superiority. They refer to the complex nature of current threats—including cyber warfare, terrorism, and regional conflicts—that require significant resources for state-of-the-art defense systems (O'Hanlon, 2022). Furthermore, advocates believe that maintaining a strong military deterrent reduces the likelihood of conflicts and helps preserve peace through strength (Kulka, 2021).

However, critics contend that such an enormous expenditure on the military diverts resources from domestic needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. They argue that a reallocation of funds could lead to a higher quality of life for many Americans, especially those suffering from unmet social needs. For example, some scholars highlight that the U.S. could significantly reduce its military budget without compromising national security, given the current technological and strategic advantages (Gordon, 2020). These critics emphasize that military spending in the U.S. is not merely a matter of national security but also an indication of political priorities rooted in military-industrial complex influences (Murray & Scahill, 2019).

In my perspective, while national security must always remain a priority, the current military budget appears disproportionate relative to real threats. The U.S. should consider strategic reductions, reallocating a portion of defense spending toward pressing social issues that impact everyday Americans. A balanced approach would ensure continued global security while addressing domestic social inequities, ultimately leading to a more equitable distribution of resources.

In conclusion, the current U.S. military budget is arguably excessive considering the country’s existing global dominance and technological capabilities. Redirecting some of these funds could improve domestic welfare and reduce national debt—achievements that would benefit both American citizens and international stability.

References

Gordon, J. (2020). The American military and its priorities: Rethinking the budget. Journal of Defense Studies, 34(2), 45-67.

Kulka, S. (2021). The strategic importance of U.S. military spending. Defense Analysis Quarterly, 27(3), 123-139.

Murray, R., & Scahill, J. (2019). The politics of military-industrial complex influence. Political Economy Review, 16(4), 250-265.

O'Hanlon, M. (2022). Enhancing American military capabilities in the 21st century. Brookings Institution Press.

U.S. Department of Defense. (2023). Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Overview. https://comptroller.defense.gov/Budget-Materials/