There are more than a hundred countries in the world, and each maintains its own army. These armies are composed of some of the strongest individuals, equipped with the latest weapons and technology. Every nation aspires for its military to rank among the most powerful on earth.
To achieve this, many countries allocate between 20% and 30% of their GDP to sustaining large armies. In nations plagued by war or terrorism, military expenditure often exceeds even this range. When combined, the global cost of maintaining armies amounts to many billions of dollars.
If we pause to reflect, this immense sum could instead provide food, clothing, and shelter to every needy person on the planet. Redirected wisely, it could eliminate hunger and homelessness altogether. Yet, our mutual distrust and hostility prevent such a transformation. Instead of fostering unity, humanity remains preoccupied with building new weapons of mass destruction—devices capable of annihilating the earth multiple times over. Nations compete to outdo one another, rather than striving to make the world a better place for all.
It is true that armies have served us in times of crisis—offering aid during natural disasters and protecting us from external threats. However, the excessive and often wasteful spending on militaries cannot be ignored. Even modest reductions, if undertaken collectively by all nations, could free vast resources to uplift humanity. With such efforts, we could create a world that is not only safer but also more compassionate, beautiful, and just for everyone.
