Defense spending refers to the money that a government allocates to maintain and improve its military forces. This includes funding for personnel, equipment, training, and operations. Countries like the United States often have large defense budgets to ensure they can protect their citizens and respond to threats. The level of defense spending can vary significantly between nations, influenced by factors such as security needs, political priorities, and economic conditions. Some argue that high defense spending is essential for national security, while others believe that funds could be better spent on areas like education or healthcare.