Unlocking Access: Balancing National Security and Transparency in Defence

Abstract

The report provides an overview of the state of defense transparency and access to information regarding the defense and security sectors worldwide, based on the Government Defence Integrity (GDI) database, which focuses on institutional integrity and corruption risks. Given the steady rise in global military spending—reaching a record high of USD 2.443 trillion in 2023—the report specifically emphasizes financial transparency in the defense sector as a key pillar for ensuring public accountability.