GEOPOLITICS OF DEFENCE TRADE

At trend that t the start of the 20th century, geopolitics emerged as a multidisciplinary combined political, strategic, geopolitical, historical and economic developments

. Although the geopolitical framework of the world has never been stable, the volatility we are currently experiencing is unprecedented, particularly given how geopolitics affects defence trade. Countries are being impacted by the geopolitical unpredictability in a way that hasn't been witnessed in last many years.

Impact of geopolitical events on defence trade In contrast to what the geopolitical experts had predicted, the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war were worse. Along with the ongoing conflict, Russia has warned Helsinki that joining NATO would have military repercussions. Russia's actions, as well as China's ongoing military exercises, have caused concern among countries throughout the world. They have caused conscious panic, such as when a neighbouring country or country in conflict unexpectedly waged war.

This has prompted the need for changes not only in economic and foreign policy, but also in defence strategy, as countries must become more militarily self-sufficient. This could be done by either producing their own defence gear or buying it from outside.

Beginning with Japan, its budget now includes costs for mass production of standoff missiles as well as the acquisition of 1500 long-range missiles. It also finalised the summary request, which totaled over $39 billion, making it the highest request ever.

In a similar vein, Poland has increased its defence spending target from the current 2.4 percent to 5 percent of GDP. The most surprising decision came from the Polish government, which announced plans to purchase 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters to strengthen the country's air force. Most countries believe that if we want to avoid conflicts, we must be prepared to fight, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict demonstrated the necessity of having ready stocks of weapons and ammunition on hand.