Prior to 2016, I wouldn't have blamed you for having this sentiment, as its an indicator that a country has done exceptionally well in developing its defensive/deterrent capability since you grew up without knowing what strife actually looks like.

But now, given that US got massively weaker with Trump being in power for 4 years, and a mentaly ill madman with access to nukes straight up murdering civilians in Ukraine in the name of nationalism, you have to be living under a rock if you don't realize how important defense spending is. If not for US, then for countries that don't have the talent/funding to develop it themselves.