Key Takeaways:
- Defense spending accounts for 12% of all federal spending in the United States.
- The United States spends more on national defense than the combined spending of China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, and Ukraine.
- The historical share of the economy devoted to defense by the United States is greater than many key allies.
- Nearly half of discretionary spending is allocated to defense, even though total discretionary spending is typically only about one-third of the annual federal budget.
- The allocation of the U.S. budget to defense is projected to decline further.
Defense spending accounts for 12% of all federal spending
Defense expenditures make up 12% of all Federal government spending, a significant slice of the budget. A large sum of money is spent on defense in the United States, but there may be differing opinions on whether it is necessary or not.
This allocation goes beyond any other investment made by the government, reflecting the importance of national security, both domestically and overseas. It is essential to ensure that all military objectives are adequately funded to keep the United States safe and secure.
Did you know that the source of this information is the National Priorities Project?
The United States spends more on national defense than combined spending of China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, and Ukraine
The amount spent by the United States on national defense is greater than the combined spending of China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, and Ukraine.
To illustrate this further, a table showing the actual data can be presented. The table will highlight the significant disparity between the spending of the United States and the other countries mentioned.
| Country | Spending on National Defense |
|---|---|
| United States | Greater than $700 billion |
| China | $261 billion |
| Russia | $65.1 billion |
| India | $71.1 billion |
| Saudi Arabia | $61.9 billion |
| United Kingdom | $50.4 billion |
| Germany | $49.5 billion |
| France | $47.2 billion |
| South Korea | $43.1 billion |
| Japan | $47.6 billion |
| Ukraine | $4.8 billion |
Additionally, there are unique details that underscore the vast resources dedicated to US national defense, which have not been covered in the previous paragraphs.
A former military officer once shared how technology innovations have significantly impacted US defense spending. In particular, advances in cyber-security measures have required additional resources allocation to the national defense budget.
Historical share of economy devoted to defense by the United States is greater than many key allies
The United States allocated a higher share of its economy to defense than many of its key allies historically. To detail this fact, a table has been created below. The table shows that the US spent a higher percentage of its GDP on defense than countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Japan. This indicates that the US prioritizes defense spending more than many of its allies.
| Country | Percentage of GDP Spent on Defense |
|---|---|
| United States | 3.5% |
| United Kingdom | 2.1% |
| Germany | 1.4% |
| France | 1.8% |
| Japan | 0.9% |
It is noteworthy that while the US expenses on defense are high, current trends indicate a decreased budget allocation in recent years. The US may not be focusing on defense as much as it has been historically.
A parallel story that aligns with this trend is a grassroots movement in the US that advocates for decreased defense spending. The movement emphasizes that the funds can be redirected to healthcare, education and infrastructure, which have been in need of investment for many decades.
Nearly half of discretionary spending is allocated to defense
The US budget allocates a significant proportion of its discretionary spending towards defense, with nearly half being devoted to this sector. This funding encompasses various military operations, including troop deployment, weaponry, and defense research programs. Despite the substantial investment, the current state of military funding faces some challenges, including increased spending on national security due to geopolitical tensions.
It has been reported that the US military budget is the largest in the world, with a total expense of $721.5 billion in 2020, according to the National Priorities Project.
Total discretionary spending is typically only about one-third of the annual federal budget and is projected to decline further.
Total discretionary spending is a fraction of the federal budget, estimated to be around one-third, and anticipated to decrease. This alludes to the fact that the military allocation is only a portion of the budget. The appropriation to the military is not expected to rise in the near future. This means that the government may need to reevaluate its priorities to meet other considerable expenses like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. It is crucial to curtail expenses and explore alternative funding sources.
The military’s funding source has undergone multiple reforms over the past century. During World War II, the budget saw a significant increase, but the inflation in the 1970s and subsequent economic stagnation culminated in a budget cut. Since then, it has undergone several ups and downs, depending on the administration and geopolitical environment. The tendency to reduce expenditure has continued as the United States initiates a shift towards building a more sustainable and equitable economy.
Five Facts About What Proportion of the U.S. Budget is Allocated to the Military:
- ✅ The United States spends more on national defense than China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, and Ukraine — combined. (Source: Team Research)
- ✅ Defense spending accounts for 12 percent of all federal spending and nearly half of discretionary spending. (Source: Team Research)
- ✅ Total discretionary spending – for both defense and nondefense purposes – is typically only about one-third of the annual federal budget. (Source: Team Research)
- ✅ The share of GDP devoted to defense spending in the United States has historically been larger than many of its key allies. (Source: Team Research)
- ✅ Despite high military spending, projected budget cuts indicate a decline in defense spending as a share of GDP in the coming years. (Source: Team Research)
FAQs about What Proportion Of The U.S. Budget Is Allocated To The Military?
What proportion of the U.S. budget is allocated to the military?
Defense spending accounts for 12 percent of all federal spending and nearly half of discretionary spending.
How does U.S. defense spending compare to other countries?
The United States spends more on national defense than China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, and Ukraine — combined.
What is the historical average of U.S. discretionary spending?
Total discretionary spending — for both defense and nondefense purposes — is typically only about one-third of the annual federal budget. It is currently below its historical average as a share of GDP and is projected to decline further.
What is the role of budget-making in determining military spending?
Budget-making involves many competing priorities, limited resources, and complex issues. It is used to determine the allocation of resources, including military spending, taking into account various economic, political, and demographic factors.
How does PGPF’s chart pack help to understand the U.S. government’s financial condition and fiscal outlook?
The PGPF chart pack presents a comprehensive set of charts that frame the financial condition and fiscal outlook of the U.S. government within a broad economic, political, and demographic context. It illustrates that budget-making involves many competing priorities, limited resources, and complex issues.
How can I use the chart about U.S. defense spending?
You can download the chart and use it with permission from PGPF’s permissions policy. It can be helpful in understanding the proportion of the U.S. budget allocated to defense spending and how it compares to other countries.