These dynamics suggest that vulnerable leaders can reduce the disposition to
attempt a coup by increasing the individual benefits of their soldiers. Fighting
capacity of the regular military, however, can be allowed to suffer. These trends
point to a stark contrast when comparing structural coup-proofing and financial
efforts that target disposition. Military expenditures are in essence flexible. The
transparent nature of democracies will require funding to be used for bona fide
military capabilities in order to provide the public good of national defense. Lacking
such constraints, authoritarian regimes are free to utilize defense expenditures to
provide a selective benefit for a privileged group. These inherent differences lead
to an important distinction for diversionary activity.