Amid escalating violence in neighboring Haiti, the Dominican Republic saw a significant uptick in its military expenditure, increasing by 14% last year, according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The surge in spending was primarily attributed to the intensification of gang violence in Haiti, prompting the Dominican government to bolster its defense capabilities.

SIPRI highlighted the trend of utilizing military forces to combat gang violence, noting that governments in the region are grappling with the challenge of employing conventional methods or resorting to immediate and forceful responses.

Beyond the Caribbean, SIPRI’s report presented in Copenhagen revealed a broader global escalation in military spending. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and escalating geopolitical tensions were cited as key drivers behind the most significant surge in global military investment since 2009. Arms expenditure reached a staggering $2.44 billion, marking a 6.8% increase in real terms compared to 2022 and accounting for 2.3% of the global gross domestic product (GDP).

The report underscored the concerning correlation between the surge in military spending and the deterioration of global peace and security. While nations prioritize military strength, there’s a risk of triggering an action-reaction cycle in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

The Dominican Republic’s decision to escalate military spending in response to the Haiti crisis reflects broader global trends of nations prioritizing defense amidst escalating conflicts and geopolitical tensions. As SIPRI’s report indicates, addressing the root causes of violence and insecurity remains crucial in fostering sustainable peace and security on both regional and global scales.