We see other countries spending more on defense so we spend more on defense.
Other countries see us spending more on defense so they spend more on defense.
When karma is spoken of as a wheel and the only way to stop it is to get off the wheel, this example seems apt. It’s also a good example of unintended consequences. In our efforts to protect ourselves we end up increasing the threat around us.
Who will be the first to reduce their spending? Us?