Defense spending increased by 9.4 percent worldwide in 2024 amid wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and researchers warn that the increase in military budgets will mean less funds for social welfare and humanitarian aid. Also in this edition: France aims to merge or eliminate a third of its government agencies in the middle of a deficit crisis. In addition, the Chinese city of Chengdu sees a boom in Panda tourism.
Global military spending rises to level not seen since Cold War
