This volume investigates the global distribution of military power, defense expenditures, and equipment holdings across sovereign nations at the turn of the millennium. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) provides a comprehensive quantitative assessment of armed forces worldwide, utilizing primary data from government reports and intelligence analysis. The text establishes a framework for comparing national defense capabilities, force structures, and strategic trends during a period of significant geopolitical transition.

Experts and policy analysts regard this series as a foundational reference for tracking global military trends and defense spending. Readers frequently note the high density of statistical data, which serves as a primary resource for academic and governmental research.