Defense

Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded because it compromises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes...known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few...No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. -James Madison, 1795

World military expenditure in 2010 is estimated to have reached $1.62 trillion in current dollars. (Global Issues, 2011)

The USA with its massive spending budget, is the principal determinant of the current world trend, and its military expenditure now accounts for just under half of the world total, at 43% of the world total. (Global Issues, 2011)