Politická ekonomie 2026, 74(3):418-435 | DOI: 10.18267/j.polek.1494

Efficiency of Public Spending in Achieving Indicators of Human Security Dimensions: A Comparative Study Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Mohammed Benlebbad ORCID..., Radja Bouzidi ORCID..., Mustapha Mostefaoui ORCID...
Mohammed Benlebbad (corresponding author), Department of Economics, Economics Institute, University Centre of Maghnia, Maghnia, Algeria
Radja Bouzidi, Department of Social Science, Social Science Institute, University Centre of El Bayadh, El Bayadh, Algeria
Mustapha Mostefaoui, Department of Social Science, Social Science Institute, University Centre of El Bayadh, El Bayadh, Algeria

The current global landscape is experiencing numerous geopolitical shifts and security threats that directly affect human security and economic stability. The present study originates from this observation and aims to explore the interconnectedness between development and individual security, the significance of public spending and its role in strengthening human security dimensions, and the efficiency of public spending in improving human security indicators. The study utilizes data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure spending efficiency in 44 countries regarding human security indicators. The analysis, assuming variable returns to scale, reveals that 16 out of the 44 countries achieved output efficiency. The average efficiency was 94%. Additionally, a crucial finding suggests that lower-income countries with lower public spending demonstrate lower efficiency in enhancing human security indicators. Thus, an increase in public spending contributes to improvements in human security indicators, ultimately leading to a higher human security index.

Keywords: Public spending, security, dimensions of human security, data envelopment analysis, efficiency
JEL classification: D61, H50, H56, O15

Received: June 24, 2024; Revised: January 14, 2025; Accepted: January 27, 2025; Prepublished online: November 12, 2025; Published: June 22, 2026  Show citation

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Benlebbad, M., Bouzidi, R., & Mostefaoui, M. (2026). Efficiency of Public Spending in Achieving Indicators of Human Security Dimensions: A Comparative Study Using Data Envelopment Analysis. Politická ekonomie, 74(3), 418-435. doi: 10.18267/j.polek.1494
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