A multivariate analysis of defense expenditures in Latin America.

• Main Author: Sasser, Jack S.
• Other Authors: NA
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/21458

This study attempts to determine whether developing countries differ with regard to the impact that military and social expenditures have on their overall rates of economic growth. A discriminant analysis of sixty-seven developing countries indicated that based on a relatively small number of discriminating variables developing countries could be categorized as either relatively dynamic or undynamic. Through a multivariate analysis of socio-economic data this study concludes that: 1) military expenditures are positively related to social expenditures and economic growth for the more economically dynamic developing countries. The analysis of economic growth and expenditure models also suggest that Latin America is not unique as a region when compared to the other developing countries of the world. The findings of this study are intended to contribute to the formulation of a general theory of defense expenditures and economic growth. (Author)