Why do other countries buy arms and weapons instead of spending money to alleviate poverty?

Answer 1

Defence against terrorists

Answer 2

Because the countries that buy weapons instead of spending money on alleviating poverty often have their priorities the wrong way around to begin with - which many times is the first cause of the poverty situation.

Many tin-pot nations are lorded over by a small gang of bullies and the citizens of their little plot of land are only valuable as targets for their new guns.

Answer 3

Because those that buy and use those arms and weapons feel that buying and using these weapons WILL alleviate poverty. They feel that by cleansing their enemies and taking power, they will be the ones who alleviate the problems of their people. Either that, or they simply don't give a **** about the people. They just want the power.

Answer 4

because it costs less to buy some guns, and then terrorize everyone who stands in your way, then take what you want for free, rather than spend millions, or billions to begin to tackle poverty.

Pretty much the people who buy guns are just looking out for #1, not anyone else. It's a survival tactic.

Answer 5

Because there are things worse than poverty, right?

Like slavery, or annilahation.

Even a poor household, has locks on the doors. And maybe a baseball bat in the stoop, or a shotgun?

Answer 6

Because the dictator governments care only about themselves and not the people they govern. e.g. Nigeria, Congo

Answer 7

Because they are trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Answer 8

POWER

Answer 9

For protection against people who may invade them and try to take them over, duh.