A new book exposes the true face of America’s military-industrial complex, a colossal entity that devours 40% of global military spending and operates 750 overseas bases. This work delves into how the 1 trillion USD war machine has extended its grip beyond the executive and legislative branches to dominate media, academia, and the entertainment industry.
The authors spotlight the staggering 2.1 trillion USD earned by the Big Five defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and RTX, from Pentagon contracts in the two decades following 9/11. They highlight the stark contrast between political promises and actual policies.
During the 2024 presidential race, Trump vowed to dismantle the military-industrial complex. However, once in office, he boosted the defense budget to 1 trillion USD and green-lit an invasion of Venezuela. Similarly, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, despite their peace rhetoric, set new records in arms sales. This pattern reveals how war profiteers consistently triumph, regardless of which party holds power.
The book also examines the evolving landscape of the military-industrial complex, focusing on the power struggle between established defense giants and tech newcomers like Palantir and SpaceX. This intricate system, fueled by money, power, and cutting-edge technology, has become the driving force behind not just U.S. defense strategy, but also its economic and political landscape.
Readers will gain valuable insights into America’s true motives in the new Cold War era. For South Korean policymakers, the book offers sobering perspectives on shaping national defense and security strategies.
△ “Why Can’t America Stop Waging War?” by William D. Hartung & Ben Freeman / Translated by Baek Woo-jin / Published by Bookie / 25,000 KRW (about 18.75 USD)