The Relationship of Defense Expenditures and Economic Growth Examples of Turkey and China (2000-2020)

Abstract

Defense expenditures are an important part of the financial strategies implemented by countries to ensure national security. The parameters of each country are affected differently from these expenditures. Therefore, evaluating the effects of defense expenditures on economic growth is a critical issue. In this context, this research studied the relationship between defense expenditures and economic growth. In accordance with the scope of this research, the relationship between the defense expenditures and economic growth of China and Turkey, which showed the highest increase in defense expenditures in the world from 2000 to 2020, was examined and the data of both countries were compared. The data were analyzed with the help of trend analysis and graphics in this research. The results of the analysis show that China and Turkey are different from each other and despite China's stable economic growth and defense expenditures, Turkey has a more volatile structure. While there is a relation between defense expenditures and economic growth in China, it is concluded that this is not the case for Turkey. The findings are of a quality that will increase awareness among policy makers and practitioners.