The linkage of economic growth, income inequality, and military expenditure

Brooks, Weston (2025): The linkage of economic growth, income inequality, and military expenditure.

Abstract

This paper explores the macroeconomic linkages between economic growth, income inequality, and military expenditure, assessing their collective impact on economic development. Drawing from a broad array of theoretical and empirical studies, the analysis synthesizes perspectives from classical economic growth models, institutional economics, and modern empirical research. The findings suggest that while economic growth has historically been associated with reductions in poverty, persistent inequalities and disproportionate military spending can hinder long-term development. The paper also highlights the role of political stability, investment, and human capital accumulation in shaping economic outcomes.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Economic Growth; Income Inequality; Military Expenditure; Economic Development; Macroeconomics
• Subjects: D - Microeconomics > D3 - Distribution > D31 - Personal Income, Wealth, and Their Distributions; H - Public Economics > H5 - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies > H56 - National Security and War; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity > O40 - General; P - Economic Systems > P1 - Capitalist Systems > P16 - Political Economy

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