专家：多重因素致全球军备竞赛不断加速

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the acceleration of global militarization and the ongoing arms race, marking the highest level of military buildup in decades, reversing the trend of military decline observed after the Cold War [1][2]. Summary by Sections Historical Context - In the early 21st century, there were signs of a decline in global military power, with defense budgets reduced and nuclear weapons decreasing after the Cold War [1]. - However, this trend reversed decisively over the past quarter-century, particularly after the events of September 11, 2001, which led to increased defense budgets for counter-terrorism efforts [2]. Current Military Spending Trends - Global military expenditure has steadily increased since 2000, reaching the highest recorded level, with defense spending rising from approximately $1.25 trillion at the turn of the century to nearly $2.7 trillion by 2024 [2][4]. - This increase is observed across almost every region, indicating a broadening of military spending beyond just major powers to include countries facing long-term instability in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Africa [4][5]. Future Projections - Experts indicate that the current trend of military spending is unlikely to peak soon, with a cautious outlook suggesting that military expenditure could reach $6.6 trillion by 2035, nearly five times the level at the end of the Cold War [6]. - There is a warning that without strategic adjustments towards diplomacy and multilateralism, the world may fall into a self-reinforcing cycle of militarization, exacerbating global instability [6].