An upside-down world

At the start of this week, two international news items have drawn significant attention—one concerning the remarkable surge in military spending among the world's major powers, and the other highlighting the devastating famine gripping Sudan and other African nations. 

It is deeply troubling to see wealthy countries allocate staggering sums to develop and enhance technologies designed for warfare, when a fraction of that expenditure could instead save millions of lives. 

According to the latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in 2024, over 100 countries increased their military budgets, reaching a record $2.7 trillion—the highest level in half a century. 

This marks the tenth consecutive year of rising military expenditures, which undoubtedly benefits the defense industry but also underscores the world's reluctance to resolve international conflicts through peaceful means. 

Of course, such increases do not come without consequences. To fund growing defense budgets, governments must make cuts elsewhere—often at the expense of vital sectors like healthcare and education, which are essential to maintaining stable and healthy societies. 

Spending on healthcare and education serves as the foundation for healthy and balanced societies. However, instead of prioritizing these essential sectors, governments often resort to burdensome measures—such as raising taxes or increasing public debt—which ultimately place a heavy financial strain on the people. 

Additionally, there is a growing trend of cutting funds allocated for international humanitarian cooperation, severely affecting the living conditions of vulnerable populations across continents like Africa and Southeast Asia. 

According to the World Food Program, Sudan is facing an alarming crisis, with half of its population suffering from extreme hunger—an emergency that affects at least five million children and nursing mothers. 

Malnutrition in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels, threatening the future of those who somehow manage to survive the acute shortage of food. 

This tragic reality speaks volumes about the human condition—most of those enduring these dire circumstances are victims of violence fueled by the same weapons manufactured and exported by developed nations. There always seems to be enough funding for the arms industry, yet not enough to save lives.