US Military Spending

Description:

After declining in the post-cold war era of the early 1990s, global military spending is on the rise again – threatening to break the one trillion dollar barrier this year, according to a group of UN-appointed military experts. The 16-member group estimates that military spending will rise to nearly $950 billion by the end of 2004, up from $900 billion in 2003. By contrast, rich nations spend $50-60 billion on development aid each year.

Enablers:

Factors which strengthen this driving force. (these are actually other driving forces, and you can link to them in the wiki!)
1. Terrorism, 
2. The current US government, 
3. The Iraq War, 
4. New nuclear powers, 
5. Powerful military-industrial corporations, 
6. Academic Researchers looking for funding,  

Inhibitors:

Factors which weaken this driving force. (these are actually other driving forces, and you can link to them in the wiki!)
1. The lack of any other world military superpower, 
2. The US budget deficit, 
3. Social problems within the US, 
4. Mounting casualties in current wars, 

Paradigms:

Old: The US is an isolationist state protected by oceans and thus needing a very small military
New: The US is the world military superpower needing massive military spending.

Timing:

1941 US Enters WWII
1945 End of WWII
1945-1991 Cold War
2001 September 11 attacks
2003-present Iraq War