24/04/2025
The Military-Industrial Complex: Fueling America's Economy and Endless Wars
Since the end of World War II, the United States has witnessed the rise of a formidable alliance between its military, industry, and political institutions—a phenomenon famously termed the "military-industrial complex" by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell address. This nexus has not only become a cornerstone of the U.S. economy but has also played a pivotal role in perpetuating continuous military engagements across the globe.
📊 Economic Impact
Defense Spending:
The U.S. defense budget has consistently been among the highest in the world. For instance, in 2023, Lockheed Martin, the largest U.S. military contractor, derived 73% of its consolidated net sales from U.S. government contracts
Employment:
The defense sector is a significant employer. Between 1977 and 1985, defense-related private employment increased from approximately 1.9 million to 3.2 million workers in the US.
🔄 Perpetuation of Conflict
Critics argue that the military-industrial complex has a vested interest in sustaining conflicts to ensure continuous profit.
Andrew Cockburn notes that "the defense budget is not propelled by foreign wars. The wars are a consequence of the quest for bigger budgets"
📚 Notable Works for deeper understanding
"The United States of War" by David Vine
"How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything" by Rosa Brooks*
"Why We Fight" by Eugene Jarecki
🎬 Cultural Reflections
Films like "Why We Fight" delve into the complexities of America's defense strategies and the economic interests intertwined with them, offering viewers a critical perspective on the nation's military engagements.
The intertwining of economic interests with military endeavors raises essential questions about the motivations behind U.S. foreign policy decisions. As citizens and global observers, understanding this dynamic is crucial for informed discourse on peace, security, and economic priorities.
Perpetuating the conflict is in the interest of the warmongers hence they use their strategic ties to cultivate a conflict until they get what they want, usually mineral wealth or sometimes debt trap. Israel is one of the biggest arms exporter and manufacturer in the world. India has been one of the top clients of Israel. Something doesn't add up. The situation in Ukraine, Palestine, South Sudan and now In Kashmir are all pointing towards a new era of hostilities. Controlled, perpetual conflict for the sake of profit. Shareholders will enjoy while masses will face the brunt force of injustice.
Written by: Rao Muhammad Haider Sarfraz.