Defence is not free: Peace always has a price (2026)

We live in an era in which peace can no longer be taken for granted but has become a precious value. This scientific monograph shows that defence funding is not merely an economic matter or a technical line in the state budget, but also a reflection of political responsibility and will, the quality of democratic institutions, strategic and security culture, and societal resilience. Using an interdisciplinary scientific approach, the authors examine defence funding in the Slovak Republic from 1993 to 2024, covering the period from the establishment of the independent state to the present day. They analyse the interaction between economic constraints, political cycles, security shocks and social trust or distrust. They argue that the question of how much defence costs is, in reality, a question of how much peace costs. Neglecting defence in times of prosperity therefore leads to greater uncertainty and instability, as well as much higher costs that are no longer paid solely in money but, unfortunately, also in human suffering. The publication is intended for experts from various scientific disciplines, policymakers, and a broader professional and general audience. Its message is simple: defence is not free, and providing it is a service to peace in Slovakia, Europe and the world.