By: Dionísio Babo Soares (Personal Opinion)
Abstract
This paper explores the interplay between global military trends and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) attainment, with a particular focus on their implications for developing and least-developed countries (LDCs). Rising military expenditures, geopolitical rivalries, and the militarization of emerging technologies are increasingly reshaping the global development landscape. While military forces play critical roles in peacekeeping and disaster response, prioritizing defense spending over social investment threatens progress on poverty eradication, climate action, education, and governance. This analysis highlights the disproportionate burden LDCs bear and underscores the need for systemic reform in global security and development policies.
1. Introduction
Global military trends significantly influence peace, stability, and development in an increasingly volatile and interconnected world. The proliferation of military spending, the modernization of defense technologies, and escalating geopolitical tensions are reshaping global priorities—often at the expense of sustainable development. The urgency of this issue is underscored by predictions that over two-thirds of the SDGs will not be met by 2030, partly due to poverty, inequality, climate change, and military expenditure. In response, the United Nations has called for reduced military spending and the redirection of resources toward development-oriented goals. This paper examines key military trends, their impact on sustainable development, and developing countries’ unique challenges.
2. Contemporary Military Trends
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending reached an estimated $2.72 trillion in 2024—a 9.4% increase from the previous year and the steepest annual rise since the Cold War. Over 100 countries raised their defense budgets amid intensifying geopolitical tensions, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. The United States alone accounted for nearly 37% of global defense spending, followed by China and Russia, with expenditures of approximately $314 billion and $149 billion, respectively.
These developments signal an absolute increase in military budgets and a growing emphasis on defense in national economic strategies. Military expenditure accounts for about 2.5% of global GDP, highlighting the shifting balance between security and development priorities.
3. Impact on Developing Countries and SDGs
3.1 Resource Diversion and Social Undermining
In many developing countries, increased defense spending diverts critical resources from healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This shift undermines long-term development and hinders the achievement of essential SDGs, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). The prevalence of hybrid warfare—combining conventional military tactics with cyberattacks and disinformation—further erodes public trust and institutional legitimacy in fragile states.
3.2 Donor Nation Policies and Military Aid
Donor nations significantly influence the development and security frameworks of LDCs through foreign aid and military assistance. However, when donor priorities tilt heavily toward defense—either through their military spending or foreign military aid—development assistance is often diminished. This trend contributes to reduced Official Development Assistance (ODA), undermining progress on multiple SDGs. Military aid may also perpetuate conflict, destabilize institutions, and strengthen authoritarian regimes, thus negatively affecting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
3.3 Environmental Consequences
Military-industrial activities contribute to environmental degradation through deforestation, pollution, and ecosystem destruction. The production, testing, and deployment of military technologies directly impact SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). In conflict zones, destroying agricultural land and water sources further complicates recovery efforts in LDCs.
3.4 Governance and Institutional Fragility
Military aid often operates through opaque channels, increasing the risk of corruption and weakening governance. Such aid sometimes empowers authoritarian regimes to suppress political dissent and civic freedoms, thereby eroding democratic institutions. These dynamics threaten the rule of law and inhibit inclusive political development, which is central to achieving SDG 16.
3.5 Migration, Inequality, and Urban Strain
As conflicts intensify, often due to foreign military interventions or arms inflows, civilian populations face displacement and forced migration. This undermines SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Displacement also burdens neighboring countries, many of which are already resource-constrained.
3.6 Climate-Induced Conflict and Militarization
Climate change further compounds vulnerabilities in LDCs by intensifying competition over scarce resources like water and arable land. Military solutions to climate-induced tensions often exacerbate instability. Cases such as the water conflicts in Sudan demonstrate how militarized responses can worsen existing climate vulnerabilities rather than promote adaptation and resilience.
4. Long-Term Consequences and the Risk of Entrenched Conflict
Prolonged conflicts in LDCs—fueled by arms inflows and geopolitical rivalries—contribute to economic stagnation, human capital loss, and public infrastructure deterioration. Skilled professionals often flee conflict-affected areas, undermining progress toward SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Countries such as Yemen and Syria exemplify how foreign military involvement can entrench instability and delay post-conflict recovery for generations.
5. Toward a Development-Oriented Security Paradigm
While military forces can play constructive roles in peacekeeping and disaster response, current trends suggest that defense spending often undermines sustainable development. A shift in global security priorities is required. Donor countries should emphasize diplomatic engagement, economic partnerships, and climate resilience and governance reform investments. Aligning military policies with the SDGs requires reallocating resources and a commitment to conflict prevention, arms control, and inclusive governance.
6. Conclusion
The global rise in military expenditures presents a significant obstacle to achieving the SDGs by 2030, particularly for developing and least-developed countries. Current military trends hinder sustainable peace and development by diverting resources, intensifying conflict, and weakening institutions. Reorienting security strategies to support development goals—rather than undermine them—is imperative. The international community can move toward a more peaceful and equitable global order through an integrated and holistic approach that prioritizes human security, climate resilience, and institutional reform. (*)
