As the world gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics , a powerful plea for peace cuts through the noise of rising geopolitical tensions. Global military spending just hit a jaw-dropping $2.4 trillion in 2023 – that’s 6.8% higher than 2022 and enough to fund global climate action 10 times over.
Political economist Grzegorz W. Kolodko sounds the alarm: 'If you want peace, get ready for peace,' he argues, calling out the dangerous cycle of arms races. NATO’s 75th-anniversary celebrations come with a price tag – 23 members now spend over 2% of GDP on defense, while the U.S. alone drops $916 billion annually (nearly 7% of its GDP!).
But here’s the plot twist: European NATO countries collectively spend three times more than Russia’s $109 billion military budget. Critics say smarter spending – not more – could ease tensions. 'We’re funding missiles instead of hospitals,' Kolodko notes, as climate disasters and inequality rage unchecked.
With Olympic athletes preparing to unite under the five rings, the ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce feels more urgent than ever. Could this global event spark real dialogue? As Kolodko puts it: 'It’s not too late to choose humanity over hostility.'
, a powerful plea for peace cuts through the noise of rising geopolitical tensions. Global military spending just hit a jaw-dropping $2.4 trillion in 2023 – that’s 6.8% higher than 2022 and enough to fund global climate action 10 times over. 
'If you want peace, get ready for peace,' he argues, calling out the dangerous cycle of arms races. NATO’s 75th-anniversary celebrations come with a price tag – 23 members now spend over 2% of GDP on defense, while the U.S. alone drops $916 billion annually (nearly 7% of its GDP!). 
European NATO countries collectively spend three times more than Russia’s $109 billion military budget. Critics say smarter spending – not more – could ease tensions. 'We’re funding missiles instead of hospitals,' Kolodko notes, as climate disasters and inequality rage unchecked. 
, the ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce feels more urgent than ever. Could this global event spark real dialogue? As Kolodko puts it: 'It’s not too late to choose humanity over hostility.' 
