The Impact of Militarization and Industrialization as a Threat to Sustainable Environmental Development in NATO Countries

There has been an increase in defense investment in recent years, which makes it necessary to investigate its impact on environmental degradation. This study examines the long‐term relationships between militarization, industrialization, and environmental degradation as a risk factor and threat to sustainable environmental development in NATO countries over the long term, from 1995 to 2018, within the framework of the environmental Kuznets curve. Using the PMG‐ARDL method, the study reveals that military spending, industrialization, and energy consumption have a significant and positive impact on environmental degradation, which hinders sustainable environmental development. The environmental Kuznets curve is valid in NATO countries. The analysis of the long‐term relationship between the variables reveals a positive relationship between military spending and CO2 emissions. Results from the PMG‐ARDL test indicate that militarization, industrialization, and energy consumption have a positive and significant long‐term impact on environmental degradation. In contrast, urbanization is found to have a negative and significant effect on environmental degradation. These results underscore the need for policymakers to adopt integrated strategies that align militarization and industrialization policies with environmental objectives and support sustainable environmental development.