Author(s) :

Paul ANDREW KUMSAT, Mallai KAFAS JOSIAH.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study examines the relationship between defence economics, military spending, and economic growth in peaceful and conflict-affected states. Using a qualitative meta-review and thematic synthesis of existing empirical literature, it explores how military expenditure influences Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and other key variables such as innovation and education, as categorized by the Global Peace Index. The analysis reveals that military spending has a minimal or neutral effect on economic growth in peaceful countries, often benefiting from technological spillovers and innovation. In contrast, military expenditure significantly hampers growth in conflict-affected states by diverting resources from productive sectors such as education and infrastructure. The study also finds a unidirectional causality running from economic growth to defence spending rather than the reverse. These findings suggest that increasing military budgets may not be conducive to economic development in conflict-prone countries like Nigeria, and that reallocating funds toward social and economic programs could yield better growth outcomes. Keywords: Defence Economics, Military Spending, Economic Growth, Peaceful States, Conflict-Affected States

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