Military Expenditure: Econometric Testing of Economic and Political Influences

Author/Editor:

Daniel P. Hewitt

Publication Date:

May 1, 1991

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Econometric results from an analysis of the determinants of military expenditure in 125 countries during 1972-88 are presented. The dependent variable is the ratio of military expenditure to GDP; included among the explanatory variables are economic and financial indicators, political variables summarizing the form of government, and demographic and geographic features of nations. The results strongly confirm the importance of these variables in explaining cross-country differences in levels of military expenditure.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1991/053

Subject:

Budget planning and preparation Central government spending Defense spending Expenditure Population and demographics Public financial management (PFM)

Notes:

Econometric results from an analysis of the determinants of military expenditure in 125 countries during 1972-88 are presented.

English

Publication Date:

May 1, 1991

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451847291/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0531991

Pages:

37

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