Short description:

Amid continuing conflict and broadening insecurity, The Military Balance provides essential facts and analysis for decision-makers and for better informed public debate.
The Military Balance is widely recognised as the best unclassified source of defense information on personnel, equipment and budgets for every country.

Long description:

The Military Balance is an authoritative assessment of the military capabilities and defence economics of 171 countries. Detailed A?Z entries list each country?s military organisation, personnel numbers, equipment inventories, and relevant economic and demographic data. Regional and select country analyses cover the major developments affecting defence policy and procurement, and defence economics. The opening graphics section displays notable defence statistics, while additional data sets detail selected arms orders and military exercises, as well as comparative defence expenditure and personnel numbers. The Military Balance is an indispensable handbook for anyone conducting serious analysis of security policy and military affairs. The International Institute for Strategic Studies, founded in 1958, is an independent centre for research, analysis and debate on the problems of conflict, however caused, that have, or potentially have, an important military dimension.

'Amid continuing conflict and broadening insecurity, The Military Balance provides essential facts and analysis for decision-makers and for better informed public debate.' - Dr Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense

'Because military affairs are inevitably clouded in fog, the IISS Military Balance is an essential companion
for those who seek to understand.' - Lord Roberton of Port Ellen, former Secretary-General of NATO

'The Military Balance is widely recognised as the best unclassified source of defense information on personnel, equipment and budgets for every country.' - Leon Panetta, former U.S. Secretary of Defense

'Because military affairs are inevitably clouded in fog, the IISS Military Balance is an essential companion for those who seek to understand.' - Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, former UK Defence Secretary and Secretary-General of NATO

'Amid continuing conflict and broadening insecurity, The Military Balance provides essential facts and analysis for decision-makers and for better informed public debate.' - Dr Robert M. Gates, former US Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence

Table of Contents:

Editor's Introduction.  Part 1: Capabilities, Trends and Economics  Chapter 1: Conflict Analysis and Conflict Trends  Chapter 2: Comparative Defence Statistics  Chapter 3: North America  Chapter 4: Europe Chapter 5: Russia and Eurasia  Chapter 6: Asia  Chapter 7: Middle East and North Africa  Chapter 8: Latin America and the Caribbean  Chapter 9: Sub-Saharan Africa.  Chapter 10: Country Comparisons - Commitments, Force Levels and Economics  Part 2: Reference  Explanatory Notes.  Reference.