Security at what cost? Examining the latest trends in global military spending

Online
15 May 2025
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Security at what cost? Examining the latest trends in global military spending

Recently released data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reveals that global military expenditure marked its tenth consecutive year of growth in 2024, reaching an unprecedented total of $2.7 trillion. This represents a real-terms rise of 9.4% on the total for 2023, which is also the largest annual increase since the end of the Cold War.

What do these trends mean for the international security landscape? What are the key drivers behind this increase? And what are the possible consequences for sustainable peace, security and development?

This event will bring together leading experts in disarmament, peace and international security to examine current trends in global military expenditure. The discussion will also explore what measures the international community can take to advance the global peace and security agenda.

This moderated online panel discussion will begin with a brief introduction to the topic by the moderator, followed by presentations from the panellists. The session will conclude with a question and answer session.

It will offer an opportunity to explore the latest data on global military spending, as well as significant trends and patterns. It also seeks to initiate a broader discussion on the impacts of military spending on peace, security and development.

Panellists

Moderator

  • Alexandra Kuimova, Researcher, Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, UNIDIR

Speakers

  • Xiao Liang, Researcher, Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme, SIPRI

Other speakers to be announced soon. 

When and where

15 May 2025, 14:00-15:00 CEST, online. Please consult this website to find your local time.

Participants

UNIDIR encouraged participation of members of the diplomatic community, civil society, media and international organizations, as well as experts interested in issues pertaining to military spending, transparency and accountability, and the broader nexus between security and development.

Further information

For queries, please contact alexandra.kuimova@un.org.