Attention Economy


Saturday, February 18, 2023

Addicted to Conflict and Large-Scale Military Spending

Can America Thrive Without War?
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/18/opinion/cold-war-china-ukraine.html
Mark Hannah notes:
The 1990s provide a vivid illustration of how prosperity and political compromise can flourish when we shed a false sense of national insecurity and the militant global posture which often accompanies it. American participation in major conflicts was limited, and the Clinton administration’s primary foreign policy goal was to promote trade.
Defense contractors might argue military spending creates commercial activity and jobs (conveniently distributed across key congressional districts). After decades of overly militarized foreign policy, Americans should be wary of using the defense budget to contribute to economic growth.
 
Related:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/17/business/active-shooter-industry-us.html