peace dividend

American  

noun

1. money cut by a government from its defense budget as a result of the cessation of hostilities with other countries.

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peace dividend British  

noun

1. additional money available to a government from cuts in defence expenditure because of the end of a period of hostilities

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Etymology

Origin of peace dividend

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Moreover, demographic shifts were generally benign; there had been a peace dividend, which reduced the need for defense spending; and China was producing huge quantities of consumer goods to satisfy demand.

From MarketWatch

Its population has reaped the benefits of the so-called peace dividend—when military spending was cut back after the Cold War and the extra funds plowed into social spending.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The logic is that it will provide the peace dividend," he said.

From BBC

That’s not all: Mr. Witkoff seems to believe that the peace dividend on offer can benefit Ukraine too.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many countries have grown accustomed to the peace dividend that followed the end of the Cold War, allowing countries to downsize their militaries and prop up generous social-welfare systems.

From The Wall Street Journal