Abstract
This study analyses the US deployment of 251,407 military personnel and 412 bases across 45 countries not as “military costs” but as an “investment return system.” Detailed verification reveals that of the total overseas deployment cost of $71.2 billion, $15.5 billion (21.8%) is borne by host countries, with most of this burden creating a flow-back structure to US military industries. Countries facing greater security threats show higher burden rates, including Japan (35.1%), Qatar (72.0%), and Poland (44.4%), which compresses the US’s actual burden to $55.7 billion. Through this overseas base system, the US has constructed the most efficient economic dominance mechanism in human history, acquiring an estimated economic and strategic value of over $120 billion.
1. Overall Structure of the Global Military Base Network
Strategic Importance and Economic Efficiency by Region
| Strategic Region | Host Countries | Troops (No.) | Total Deployment Cost | Host Country Burden | Burden Rate | US Net Burden |
| Europe | 15 countries | 62,764 | $28.0 billion | $4.5 billion | 16.1% | $23.5 billion |
| Indo-Pacific | 8 countries | 89,143 | $12.7 billion | $5.5 billion | 43.3% | $7.2 billion |
| Middle East | 12 countries | 54,500 | $18.0 billion | $5.2 billion | 28.9% | $12.8 billion |
| Other regions | 10 countries | 45,000 | $12.5 billion | $0.3 billion | 2.4% | $12.2 billion |
| Global Total | 45 countries | 251,407 | $71.2 billion | $15.5 billion | 21.8% | $55.7 billion |
The most crucial finding of the US’s overseas military base system deployed across 45 countries is that $15.5 billion (21.8%) of the apparent “military expenditure” of $71.2 billion is borne by host countries. This means the world’s largest military force deployment is effectively realised at approximately a 22% “discount,” compressing the US’s actual burden to $55.7 billion.
Regionally, the Indo-Pacific’s 43.3% burden rate stands out compared to other regions. When compared to Europe’s 16.1% and the Middle East’s 28.9%, the cost efficiency of the Indo-Pacific region is abnormally high. This high efficiency is underpinned by the presence of Japan and South Korea as “model host countries.”
2. Economic Dominance Structure in Major Host Countries
Cost-Burden System of the Top 5 Host Countries
| Country | Troops (No.) | Annual Cost | Host Country Burden | Burden Rate | Historical Background |
| Japan | 54,793 | $5.7 billion | $2.0 billion | 35.1% | 1945 occupation → security treaty |
| Germany | 35,221 | $7.3 billion | $1.2 billion | 16.4% | 1945 occupation → NATO hub |
| South Korea | 28,500 | $4.7 billion | $1.0 billion | 21.3% | 1945 occupation → Korean War |
| Italy | 12,441 | $2.8 billion | $0.5 billion | 17.9% | 1943 occupation → Mediterranean hub |
| United Kingdom | 9,421 | $2.2 billion | $0.8 billion | 36.4% | 1942 cooperation → special relationship |
Japan’s “Host Nation Support” System Economic Structure
Japan is the world’s largest host country for US military personnel (54,793 troops), while maintaining the highest cost-burden rate (35.1%). A detailed analysis of the $2.0 billion Japan bears out of the annual deployment cost of $5.7 billion reveals $1.9 billion in Host Nation Support and $0.1 billion in indirect burden, thereby compressing the US’s actual burden to $3.7 billion. Crucially, most of Japan’s $2.0 billion burden ultimately flows back to US companies as revenue. Since base construction, equipment procurement, and service purchases are largely contracted to US companies, this “burden” effectively functions as “investment” in the US economy.
Qatar’s Abnormally High Burden Model
| Country | Region | Troops (No.) | Annual Cost | Host Country Burden | Burden Rate | Background Factors |
| Qatar | Middle East | 8,000 | $2.5 billion | $1.8 billion | 72.0% | Oil revenue, Iran threat, Saudi rift |
| Singapore | Asia-Pacific | 200 | $0.2 billion | $0.1 billion | 50.0% | China containment, maritime traffic |
| Poland | Europe | 4,500 | $1.8 billion | $0.8 billion | 44.4% | Russia threat, NATO expansion |
| United Kingdom | Europe | 9,421 | $2.2 billion | $0.8 billion | 36.4% | Special relationship, intelligence cooperation |
| Japan | Asia-Pacific | 54,793 | $5.7 billion | $2.0 billion | 35.1% | Host Nation Support, China threat |
| Kuwait | Middle East | 13,500 | $3.2 billion | $0.8 billion | 25.0% | Post-Gulf War, Iraq monitoring |
Qatar’s 72.0% burden rate is the highest globally. Of the annual deployment cost of $2.5 billion, Qatar bears $1.8 billion. This abnormally high burden rate stems from a complex set of factors. First, Qatar’s per capita GDP is among the highest in the world, with oil and gas revenues providing fiscal flexibility, enabling high burden sharing. Second, Qatar’s geopolitical position, located across the Persian Gulf from Iran, creates a strong sense of vigilance against Iranian threats. Third, the 2017-2021 diplomatic severance and economic blockade by Saudi Arabia rapidly deepened Qatar’s dependence on the US.
Crucially, much of Qatar’s $1.8 billion burden flows back to US military industries and related companies. Base construction, equipment procurement, and technical services are all monopolised by US companies, making Qatar’s “burden” effectively an “investment” in the US economy. The deployment and operation of F-22 fighters and B-52 bombers, as well as the maintenance of the Middle East operations command centre, require sophisticated technical infrastructure, all of which is dependent on exclusive US corporate supply.
3. Economic Effects of the Investment Return System
Regional Investment Return Analysis
| Region | Net Investment | Direct Revenue | Indirect Revenue | Total Revenue | ROI |
| Indo-Pacific | $7.2 billion | $18.0 billion | $38.3 billion | $56.3 billion | 682% |
| Europe | $23.5 billion | $47.8 billion | $22.5 billion | $70.3 billion | 199% |
| Middle East | $12.8 billion | $8.9 billion | $14.5 billion | $23.4 billion | 183% |
| Overall Average | $55.7 billion | $79.0 billion | $85.0 billion | $164.0 billion | 194% |
The structure generates approximately $164.0 billion in total revenue from an annual net investment of $55.7 billion, achieving an abnormal high return of 194% ROI. This efficiency surpasses all investment products and carries an extremely low risk typical of investments, as it’s backed by military force as a form of “coercive power.” Host countries must continue paying this “protection fee” as long as they face security threats.
A detailed analysis of the revenue structure reveals that, in addition to $79.0 billion in direct revenue, there exists $85.0 billion in substantial indirect revenue. This indirect revenue includes securing superiority in civilian markets through international standardisation of technology, establishing preferential systems for American companies in allied markets, and building long-term technological dependency relationships. The Indo-Pacific region particularly generates $38.3 billion in indirect revenue, far exceeding direct revenue, due to the establishment of a structure where allies become completely dependent on American military technology standards through the China containment strategy.
Europe’s $22.5 billion indirect revenue stems from the US’ monopoly on weapons systems within the region through NATO standardisation, the outflow of European technology to the US under joint development pretexts, and the deepening of US dependence on energy security. The Middle East’s $14.5 billion indirect revenue is realised through maintaining dollar-denominated oil and gas transactions, perpetual dependence on US military technology, and concentration of regional financial systems in US banks.
Of the annual $15.5 billion host country burden, an estimated $12.0 billion (77%) ultimately flows back as revenue to US companies. This feedback structure generates direct economic effects, including $12.0 billion in additional annual revenue for U.S. military industries, the creation of approximately 240,000 related jobs (primarily high-skilled), and $2.5 billion in corporate tax revenue.
4. Overwhelming Superiority in International Comparison
Comprehensive Comparison of Major Military Powers’ Overseas Military Deployments
| Country | Deployment Countries | Troops (No.) | Annual Cost | Host Country Burden Rate | Cost per Person |
| United States | 45 countries | 251,407 | $71.2 billion | 21.8% | $283,000 |
| Russia | 7 countries | 20,500 | $3.5 billion | 8.6% | $171,000 |
| United Kingdom | 5 countries | 7,900 | $3.3 billion | 15.2% | $418,000 |
| France | 7 countries | 8,300 | $2.95 billion | 6.8% | $355,000 |
| China | 7 countries | 5,500 | $1.45 billion | 5.5% | $264,000 |
The US overseas base system fundamentally differs from that of other military powers not merely in scale, but in its qualitative system structure. The most important finding is the presence or absence of “host country cost-burden systems.” The US’s 21.8% host country burden rate demonstrates 2-4 times the efficiency compared to other military powers.
Detailed analysis of other military powers’ overseas deployments reveals most remain stuck in “old models where dominant countries bear full costs.” The low host country burden rates of Russia (8.6%), China (5.5%), and France (6.8%) indicate these countries continue 19th-century imperialist models (dominant countries bear costs to maintain influence). China particularly operates a “reverse burden” structure through Belt and Road Initiative-linked military deployments, where China provides massive investments to host countries.
In contrast, the US has established a revolutionary business model where “the protected pay protection costs” successfully convert military deployment from a “cost” to an “investment.” Through this structural advantage, while other military powers face fiscal pressure from military deployments, the US gains economic benefits from its military deployments.
5. Evolution of Dominance Systems Through Technological Innovation
The US commands 60% of global military AI research and development investment ($11.0 billion annually), with all cutting-edge AI companies—Google, Microsoft, OpenAI—being US companies. In quantum technology, IBM, Google, and others are leading the development of quantum military technology, with the Pentagon investing $3.0 billion annually. The Space Force, established in 2019, operates with a $29.0 billion annual budget, achieving independent military communication systems through SpaceX’s Starlink and other technologies, thereby eliminating the need for ground-based infrastructure.
The transition from conventional mass-personnel deployment to technology-intensive operations has dramatically increased strategic value per base. Bases integrating AI command and control, quantum communications, space surveillance, and cyber operation centres possess over 10 times the operational capability of conventional bases. This technological intensification enables the US to strengthen military power while reducing personnel numbers.
The introduction of new military technologies has further deepened the dependence of allies on US technology. F-35 fighter software updates, satellite communication system operations, and cybersecurity maintenance all require constant connection with the US. This technological dependence makes military independence increasingly difficult for allies.
6. Perpetual Dominance Structure Through Historical Background
Continuity of Deployments Originating from Military Occupation
The top three host countries—Japan, Germany, and South Korea—all originate from post-World War II military occupation. In these countries, US military deployment has continued for 79 years (1945-2024), and this exceptional long-term continuity has created unique economic structures. Military deployment, beginning with occupation and continuing across eight generations, is an unprecedented case in human history.
Overseas US military deployments are institutionally fixed through legal frameworks known as Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA). These agreements typically have long-term validity periods and include clauses that make unilateral termination difficult to achieve. The Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement has never undergone fundamental revision since its 1960 conclusion. The Korea-US and Germany-US status agreements have similar structures, creating mechanisms that are legally difficult for host countries to terminate deployment unilaterally.
Post-Cold War Deployment Continuation Mechanisms
The end of the Cold War in 1991 significantly altered the rationale for the US military presence overseas. However, rather than being reduced, deployments have continued and expanded under new justification logics. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the “War on Terror” became a new deployment justification. In the 2010s, “China’s rise” and “Russia’s resurgence” were set as new threats. Thus, mechanisms for perpetuating vested interests have been established by flexibly adjusting the deployment justification logic in response to changes in the international situation.
7. Conclusion: The Most Efficient Economic Dominance System in World History
This research reveals that the US overseas military base system functions not as traditionally understood “military costs” but as a highly sophisticated “economic investment system.” The most sophisticated aspect of this “invisible empire” lies in a structure where dominated countries themselves bear the maintenance costs of the dominance system. Furthermore, these costs directly contribute to strengthening the dominant country’s economic power.
The structure, which generates $164.0 billion in total revenue from $55.7 billion in annual net investment (a 194% ROI), is further strengthened by its technological superiority in AI, quantum technology, space technology, and cybersecurity. Network effects creating technological perpetuation have been established, where system value increases as more countries integrate, and exit costs increase due to technological dependence.
This overseas base system possesses efficiency and sustainability that far exceed those of the Roman Empire’s provincial system and the British Empire’s colonial economic system. The structure in which dominant countries themselves bear the costs of maintaining the dominance system, and these costs directly contribute to strengthening the dominant country’s technological superiority, represents the most sophisticated and efficient economic-technological dominance mechanism in human history. A fundamental understanding of contemporary international politics necessitates directly confronting the economic and technological realities of this “invisible empire.”
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