U.S. Defense Spending Compared to Other Countries

[gotonudecom]

U.S. Defense Spending Compared to Other Countries
In 2024, U.S. defense spending reached ~$886 billion, accounting for ~40% of global military expenditures (~ legacy. This dwarfs the next top spenders:
China: ~$296 billion (13% of global spending)
Russia: ~$109 billion (4.5%)
India: ~$81 billion (3.4%)
Saudi Arabia: ~$75 billion (3.1%)

The U.S. spends ~3.5% of its GDP on defense, lower than countries like Israel (~5%) or Saudi Arabia (~7.4%) but higher than most allies like Germany (~1.8%) or Japan (~1.2%). On a purchasing power parity basis, China’s spending is closer to $477 billion, narrowing the gap.
(https://www.visualcapitalist.com/larges ... the-world/)[](https://www.statista.com/statistics/262 ... -spending/)

U.S. Defense Provided to Other Countries
The U.S. maintains ~750 overseas bases, costing ~$55 billion annually, with ~45% of troops in Japan and South Korea. It defends:
NATO Allies (29 countries): Through Article 5, ensuring collective defense, costing ~$150 billion annually (direct/indirect support). Key beneficiaries: Germany, UK, Poland.
Japan and South Korea: ~80,000 troops, costing ~$34 billion (2016-19), with host nations covering ~$18.4 billion.
Taiwan: Arms sales (~$20 billion annually) and naval presence, no formal treaty.
Israel: ~$3.8 billion annual aid, plus missile defense funding.
Gulf States: Bases and arms deals (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE), costing ~$10 billion.

The U.S. also provides ~$20 billion in aid to Ukraine (2022) and smaller commitments to Australia, Philippines, etc.
(https://econofact.org/u-s-defense-spend ... al-context)
(https://www.statista.com/statistics/262 ... -spending/)

Tariffs Imposed on U.S. Goods by Defended Countries
EU (NATO members): ~2.7% average tariff, but up to 17% on U.S. agriculture.
Japan: ~2.9% average, with peaks at 20% on U.S. beef.
South Korea: ~6.8% average, up to 40% on U.S. nuts.
Taiwan: ~7.5% average, 32% reciprocal tariff on U.S. goods (2025, semiconductors exempt).
Israel: ~5% average, 17% on U.S. goods (2025).
Saudi Arabia: ~5% average, higher on specific U.S. products like vehicles (~12%).

U.S. tariffs on these countries were historically low (~2%) but rose to ~16.5% by 2025, with specific hikes (e.g., 25% on South Korea, 32% on Taiwan).
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariffs_i ... nistration)


Why should the U.S. bear ~$886 billion in defense costs, including $200+ billion annually to protect allies like Japan, South Korea, and NATO members, without reimbursement, while these nations impose tariffs up to 40% on U.S. goods, limiting American economic gains?

This disparity fuels debates about burden-sharing, as allies benefit from U.S. security guarantees while maintaining trade barriers, potentially justifying calls for cost-sharing or tariff reciprocity.

[monsta]

Think of all the good we can do if we spend 1/3rd of that figure and used the rest to build better roads and highways, the jobs it would create.

[gotonudecom]

Think of all the good we can do if we spend 1/3rd of that figure and used the rest to build better roads and highways, the jobs it would create.

Good point, but how about we just stop giving our money to politicians, so they can buy more houses and votes.
Use that money on education and not bureaucracy. Use the education to build better roads, etc.

Then think about this why do we need JOBS!

[monsta]

Think of all the good we can do if we spend 1/3rd of that figure and used the rest to build better roads and highways, the jobs it would create.

Good point, but how about we just stop giving our money to politicians, so they can buy more houses and votes.
Use that money on education and not bureaucracy. Use the education to build better roads, etc.

Then think about this why do we need JOBS!

Big companies give to politicians so they buy influence, so they vote for wars and the MIC makes money........

[gotonudecom]

Think of all the good we can do if we spend 1/3rd of that figure and used the rest to build better roads and highways, the jobs it would create.

Good point, but how about we just stop giving our money to politicians, so they can buy more houses and votes.
Use that money on education and not bureaucracy. Use the education to build better roads, etc.

Then think about this why do we need JOBS!

Big companies give to politicians so they buy influence, so they vote for wars and the MIC makes money........

Agreed!

Would we need the military if other countries were NOT attacking US and each other?

IMHO, we would not have the MIC, if those countries had not attacked us first.

Then we get back to, why are we defending other countries and still paying THEM tariffs?

[monsta]

Let's carry on this convo in the coming days, my woman is calling me to get dressed and go out for dinner.

[gotonudecom]

Let's carry on this convo in the coming days, my woman is calling me to get dressed and go out for dinner.

LOL!
Have a great NIGHT!

[badkitty]

We need to keep our defense strong so it is money well spent.

[gotonudecom]

We need to keep our defense strong so it is money well spent.

The principal is sound, but there are too many people/companies making billions from the industry.
Too many people taking advantage of the US's generosity.
Too many people keeping war alive so they can profit from it.

[LookyLou]

We need to spend that much because we protect other countries not just our own.

[gotonudecom]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xo-Ah_TM9us