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From ancient times to the present, countless wars have broken out all over the world, causing countless casualties and destruction. War is not only a bloody massacre, but also an expensive game. War requires a lot of manpower, material and financial resources, and it places a heavy burden on the countries participating in the war.
So, how expensive is war? How long would 1.4 billion Chinese donate 100 yuan each to support the war? This question may surprise you, because the cost of war is far beyond your imagination.
1. Sources and Destinations of War Expenditures
War expenses refer to the various expenses incurred in order to conduct a war, including the salaries of military personnel, the purchase and maintenance of military equipment, the transportation and logistics of military operations, losses and compensation in war, and so on. There are two main sources of war expenditure: one is the state budget, and the other is the state's borrowing or issuance of bonds.
There are two main destinations for war spending: one is the domestic military industry, and the other is foreign arms dealers. War expenditures affected not only the economic situation of the countries participating in the war, but also the economic pattern of the world.
2. Historical record of war expenditures
The historical record of war spending is a thrilling story. Figures for war expenditures may vary according to different statistical methods and standards, but they all reflect the staggering cost of war. Here are some historically famous war expenditures.
World War I was a global war that broke out in the early 20th century, lasting more than four years, involving 32 countries and killing an estimated 17 million people and wounding 37 million. The total cost of World War I is estimated at $2.2 trillion (at purchasing power parity in 2023), which is equivalent to 1.4 billion Chinese giving 100 yuan each, which can support the war for 0.8 years.
World War II was a larger, global war that broke out in the mid-20th century, lasting six years, involving 61 countries, killing an estimated 60 million people and injuring 170 million. The total cost of World War II is estimated at $4.1 trillion (at purchasing power parity in 2023), which is equivalent to 1.4 billion Chinese giving 100 yuan each, which can support the war for 1.5 years.
The Vietnam War was a proxy war of the Cold War that broke out in the second half of the 20th century, which lasted for 20 years, involving the United States, Vietnam, China and other countries, killing about 3 million people and injuring 2 million.
The total cost of the Vietnam War is estimated at $1.1 trillion (at purchasing power parity in 2023), which is equivalent to 1.4 billion Chinese giving 100 yuan each, which can support the war for 0.4 years.
The Iraq War was a war on terror that broke out at the beginning of the 21st century, lasted for 8 years, involved the United States, the United Kingdom, Iraq and other countries, and caused about 200,000 deaths and 1.8 million injuries.
The total cost of the war in Iraq is estimated at $2.4 trillion (at purchasing power parity in 2023), which is equivalent to 1.4 billion Chinese donating 100 yuan each, which can support the war for 0.9 years.
III. Current Situation and Trends in War Expenditures
The current situation and trends in war spending are a topic of concern. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in Sweden, global military spending reached a record high of $2.1 trillion in 2023, equivalent to 2.4% of global gross domestic product (GDP).
Among them, the United States accounts for 39% of the world's military spending, reaching $778 billion, more than four times that of China, which is second place. China's military spending is $193 billion, accounting for 9.2 percent of the world's total, more than three times that of India, which is in third place.
These data show the imbalance and instability of global military spending, as well as the strategic intentions and security needs of countries.
The meaning and impact of war spending is a complex one. On the one hand, war spending can improve a country's defense capability, protect a country's sovereignty and interests, maintain a country's security and stability, promote the country's scientific, technological, and industrial development, and increase the country's international influence and status.
On the other hand, war spending will also bring a huge burden to the country, consume the country's resources and wealth, increase the country's debt and deficit, reduce the country's economic and social development level, affect the country's livelihood and welfare, and trigger internal and external contradictions and conflicts.
Epilogue:
War spending is a double-edged sword that needs to be used carefully and balanced against the interests and responsibilities of the State. War expenditure is not a simple figure, but a major issue involving the life and death of the country, the happiness and well-being of the people, and the peaceful development of the world.
We should draw lessons from history, seek solutions from reality, look forward to hope from the future, and use reason and wisdom to deal with war expenditures, avoid wars, and promote the process of peace.
That's my view on war spending, what do you think? Feel free to leave a message in the comment section and discuss this topic with me.