Spending Rises for Military and Defense

Today, Russian ranks fourth in the world for defense spending, and in 2013 specifically, Russia spent a higher portion of their national GDP on defense than America for the first time in a decade. Far outpacing the U.S.'s own spending on military and defense, Russia has amassed incredible military power due to their funding on such areas. This drastic change in allocating more money towards national militance and defense reflects a more authoritarian regime under Russia's president, Putin. Building up more military and defense weapons and equipment further communicates increasing tension between Russia and many Western nations as Russia annexed Crimea as well as displays aggression in the Baltics. As Russia prepares their military and defense, Cold War sentiments continue to propagate Europe and the United States.