Government agencies are increasingly apprehensive about the scale of military spending in Africa and the Middle East - particularly incountries where they are providing development assistance. This study argues that certain countries overspend on their military forces to the detriment of more productive social or economic programs.

The author, an eminent policy analyst, applies strategic balance of power models to African security issues for the first time, and formulates the "Praetorian Index" to gauge levels of military corruption, and the risk of social unrest and civil war. He compares the fine line between sufficient and excessive military spending across ten countries and defines regional indicators of genuine security need or ambition.

This controversial work will interest agencies and policy analysts involved with international development and official development assistance, and is essential reading for anyone interested in disarmament issues or international risk management.