Multidimensional Measures of Militarization (M3): A Global Dataset

In this article, we present the novel M3-dataset. This global dataset brings together 30 existing and newly developed indicators and a total of 140,000 observations on three dimensions of material, political, and societal militarization from 1990 to 2020. We introduce a novel, multidimensional concept of militarization, explain the construction of the dataset, data-collection process, and the measures taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. We illustrate the usefulness of the dataset for researchers by analyzing for the first time the impact of military policing as one aspect of societal militarization on violence and human rights violations at the global level. We conclude by discussing the significance of the M-3 dataset and outlining how scholars in different fields and with various research interests, including (de-)democratization, armed conflict, and human development, can benefit from incorporating this dataset into their studies.

Automated summary

This article presents the M3-dataset, a global dataset that combines 30 existing and newly developed indicators to measure material, political, and societal militarization from 1990 to 2020. The dataset is introduced with an explanation of its construction, data-collection process, and measures taken to ensure data validity and reliability. The usefulness of the dataset is illustrated by analyzing the impact of military policing on violence and human rights violations at the global level. The significance of the M3 dataset is discussed, highlighting its potential for researchers in various fields.