Nonlinear Dynamics of Militarization and Income Inequality Nexus in Post-Socialist Eastern Europe: A Panel Kink Regression Analysis (1990–2023)

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between militarization, and income inequality in Eastern Bloc European countries from 1990 to 2023 – a period marked by post-socialist transition, economic upheaval, and political instability. The region’s unique geopolitical position and complex socio-political structure have contributed to widening socioeconomic disparities and rising militarization. Using a panel kink regression (PKR) model with the Global Militarisation Index and GINI index, we identify a critical threshold beyond which militarisation’s effect on inequality reverses. Below this point, militarization modestly reduces inequality; above it, further increases worsen disparities. These findings underline the need for balanced policies that promote both security and social equity in the region.

• Publication year

  2025

• Venue

  Peace Economics, Peace Science and Public Policy

• Publication date

  2025-08-01

• Fields of study

  Not labeled

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.1515/peps-2025-0042
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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