Eli5: Why is it that whenever we hear about “defense spending” it’s always on offensive things like weapons? Is there not a way to make actual defense the priority instead of offense?

Question

I could be missing the point about military spending, and the five-year-old in my head asking the question does just want forcefields over every country in the end.

In: Technology

Answer 1

“Defense Spending” is brand messaging for “Military Spending” and “Military Contractor Spending”.

If you phrase it as “defense” the masses are more willing to shovel the hundreds of billions to the military (and military contractors) each year as they think it’s defending them, keeping them safe. It also makes people more resistant to cutting military spending, as they’re primed to think getting rid of defense will put them and their family in mortal peril.