The world spent 2.2 trillion on defense in 2023. Unfortunately, higher global defense spending is highly correlated with global instability, and an unsafe geopolitical arena. Higher defense spending is a not a great sign for the progression of peace in the world. There were two major events outside of the genocides and wars already going on last year.
The genocide in historic Palestine reached new heights in 2023. So far, as of the time of writing this, there have been 31,184 murders since Oct 7. When the Palestinian resistance retaliated against American empowered Israeli forces on Oct 7, the world pretended to be shocked.
A World of Instability
As a result, the western world clutched its pearls and the Israeli government used the opportunity to ramp up its assault, thereby creating a humanitarian crisis. Ever since the beginning of the assault, and for decades before this moment, the world has been pleading for a permanent cease fire.
As a consequence of this on going crisis, the world felt less safe. Maybe, on some level the world realized that that the genocide in Palestine didn’t have to happen only in Palestine. Nations like Japan have had their own run ins with imperial tragedies, both perpetrating some of the worst crimes in history, while also being the victim of nuclear attack.
Russian Wars
Moreover, the Russo – Ukraine invasion was the subject of many think pieces in 2022. While the war is still going on the world watched as white people fled from invasion. The small nation was invaded by Russia as an attempt to reclaim territory. Ukraine is a nation accepted by the western world whose population is primarily white. Compassion, empathy, and kindness are at many times only extended to those with white skin who are suffering.
An example is the fact that both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been suffering for decades and yet there is no global outcry. This world is violent and chooses along race lines who to give empathy and compassion to. The world isn’t only made of white people, which means that if one’s nation begins to suffer it is entirely possible that they won’t get global help. This partially explains the boost in military spending. Ultimately, the world has to come together to solve its issues. It must extend aid to those of every color instead of relying on inefficient NGOs.
Written by Kenneth Mazerat
Sources
EnglishNews: Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 31,184: ministry
Aljazeera: Global defence spending jumped to record $2.2 trillion last year: Report
NPR: How ‘modern-day slavery’ in the Congo powers the rechargeable battery economy by Terry Gross
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Richard Lewis’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of United States Forces Iraq’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
