29 Apr 2025

Care about the “future generations?” Read this report…

Bangkok – Heightened global geopolitical tensions have led to a 9.3% increase in arms spending worldwide to US$2,718 billion (that’s US$2,718,000,000,000) in 2024. Of that figure, the United States comprised the largest percentage (37%), according to the latest Fact Sheet on global military expenditure by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, released on 27 April.

Says the report, “The global military burden – the share of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) devoted to military expenditure – increased to 2.5% in 2024. Average military expenditure as a share of government expenditure rose to 7.1% in 2024 and world military spending per person was the highest since 1990, at $334.”

It’s going to get worse.

The report adds, “For the second year in a row, military expenditure increased in all five of the world’s geographical regions, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions across the globe. The decade-long growth in global spending can be partly attributed to spending increases in Europe, largely driven by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, and in the Middle East, driven by the war in Gaza and wider regional conflicts. Many countries have also committed to raising military spending, which will lead to further global increases in the coming years.”

I would strongly recommend Travel & Tourism stakeholders to examine and analyse this report in detail, especially CEOs, academics and civil society groups who claim to care about “the future generations.” Then ask themselves the following questions:

[] Where will this money come from?

[] What are the implications for the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

[] What is the human cost of the casualties caused by these weapons?

[] How many members of the “future generation” will be sent off to die in these futile conflicts?

[] What are the implications for global Peace and Stability?

[] What is the environmental impact in terms of exploitation of rare earth minerals and carbon emissions by all the jets, navy ships, tanks, missiles, transportation vehicles, guns, etc.?

[] What are the implications for Travel & Tourism?

[] Why are these questions not raised in Travel & Tourism forums and events?

[] Is it likely to divert brainpower from other more productive sectors of the global economy?

[] Which merchants-of-death corporations are benefitting?

[] Do they pay their fair share of taxes?

[] What is the procurement process for these lucrative contracts?

[] Is there any check-and-balance mechanism for transparency and accountability in the process?

[] To what extent does the arms bazaar contribute to organised crime and smuggling syndicates?

[] And finally, would the world be a far more peaceful, stable and sustainable place if these obscene sums of money could be diverted to other productive purposes?

The Travel & Tourism industry is badly in need of course and mind reset. Geopolitical and civilisational conflicts have moved well ahead of climate change, sustainability and AI as the primary risks and threats facing the industry.

This SIPRI report provides scientific proof of the current and present scenarios. For those who claim to care about “the future generations,” it’s time to walk the talk.