> Military expenditure is more about being ready "just in case"

A rule of thumb I've found to be useful is that if you make a weapon you'll find a use for it. Being ready "just in case" is some of the most homicidal thought patterns in history.

A great counter-example is nukes, but I suspect it's just a matter of time until one either accidentally fires or our insane assumption that states are rational actors collapses.