ABSTRACT
Among many definitions based on different approaches, the welfare state in general can be defined as an interventionist state to protect minimum standards of income, nutrition, health, housing, and education for every citizen. The welfare state began to develop in the late nineteenth century in northwestern Europe. Here in this brief literature survey, we aim at shedding light on three main issues. First, major typologies of the welfare state are presented. Second, the impacts of defense spending on income inequality are discussed; and, finally, we review the general literature on the political regimes, military expenditures, and income inequality.
