Fact check: What countries hold military parades

1. Summary of the results

Military parades are conducted by numerous countries across all continents, serving different purposes and occurring at varying frequencies. The practice spans across:

• Democratic nations including the United States (Independence Day), France (Bastille Day), and the United Kingdom (Trooping the Colour) ^[1]
• Autocratic regimes such as North Korea, Russia, and China ^[2]
• Regional examples:
• North America: USA, Canada, Mexico
• Europe: France, Germany, Italy
• Asia: China, India, Indonesia
• Africa: Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa ^[3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The simple question of "which countries" overlooks several crucial aspects:

• Purpose and Function: Military parades serve different purposes:
• In autocratic regimes, they function as tools of power projection, propaganda, and national unity ^[2]
• In democratic nations, they often commemorate historical events or national holidays ^[3]
• Frequency and Scale: Some nations host large-scale events only on special occasions, while others conduct more frequent displays ^[1]
• Cultural Significance: These events are typically tied to significant national holidays or historical commemorations, representing more than just military displays ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question's simplicity could lead to several misconceptions:

• Political Context: Simply listing countries without acknowledging the different political contexts could create false equivalencies between democratic celebrations and authoritarian displays of power ^{[2] [1]}
• Historical Evolution: The practice has evolved differently across regions and political systems, as evidenced by historical examples like Nazi Germany compared to modern democratic parades ^[4]
• Beneficiaries: Different groups benefit from these displays:
• Authoritarian regimes use them for power projection and propaganda ^[2]
• Democratic governments use them for national unity and commemoration ^[3]
• Military institutions benefit from displaying their capabilities and maintaining traditions