The Costs of Keeping the Peace

World military expenditures in 2001 were conservatively estimated at $839 billion—almost $100 million every hour or $2.3 billion each day. The United States is now the world’s sole military colossus, accounting for 36 percent of all military spending, or $302 billion. U.S. spending is now projected to rise to $414 billion (in 2001 dollars) by 2009.

Expenditures for United Nations peacekeeping operations from July 2002 to July 2003 equaled roughly $2.6 billion. As of late December 2002, U.N. members still owed the organization $1.34 billion for peacekeeping operations. The United States accounted for 40 percent of unpaid dues, or $536 million.

Source:

Peacekeeping Expenditures Down Slightly, Vital Signs 2003, pp. 76-77.
Military Expenditures on the Rise, Vital Signs 2003, pp. 116-117.

Worldwatch Links:

Vital Signs Fact of the Week Archive
Vital Signs 2003 press release
Take action: Vital Signs 2003, What You Can Do
More research from Worldwatch

Additional Resources:

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), “Military Expenditure and Arms Production,” www.sipri.se.

United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/home.shtml.