Economists for Peace and Security

The Economics of Peace and Security Journal

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A publication by Economists for Peace and Security

War and Military Spending in Developing Countries and Their Consequences for Development
Paul Collier

Vol 1, No 1 - Conflict or Development?, January 2006

That military expenditure and conflict have adverse consequences for development is unsurprising but important. The policy challenge is to reduce them. I have suggested that substantial components of military expenditure could be reduced without jeopardizing security interests. Military expenditure does not appear to be an effective deterrent of rebellion, and, if it is reduced in a coordinated manner across a region then external security interests would be unaffected. The resources released by reduced military expenditure could be used to increase growth rates, and this in turn would gradually but effectively reduce the risk of internal conflict. Development, not military deterrence, is the best strategy for a safer society.

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