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Policy Article

Guns and Growth: The Economic Consequences of Defense Buildups

Authors

  • Ilzetzki
  • E.

Publication Date

Key Words

Military expenditures

Fiscal multipliers

Innovation

Growth

Short- and long-run consequences of rearmament

USA

Europe

Related Topics

Geoeconomics

Innovation and Structural Change

Growth

Fiscal Policy & National Budgets

USA

Europe

War

This paper investigates how an increase in military expenditures affects an economy. It is written in the context of rising geopolitical tensions that have spurred increased military spending in the United States, Europe, and other economic areas. It draws on a large literature in macroeconomics, public finance, defense and peace studies, economic history, and the study of productivity to evaluate the short- and long-run consequences of rearmament.

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  • Macroeconomics