Military–industrial complex facts for kids
The military–industrial complex refers to the relationship between the government, the military, and the businesses that make things for the military. For example, the businesses can give money to politicians in elections. Then, politicians give more money to the military. Then, the military buys things from the businesses. Each group gains something, so they try to keep doing the same thing.
Normally, when people use this term, they are talking about the United States. However, any country can have a military-industrial complex if they have the right conditions.
When there is a military-industrial complex, problems can happen. The government can become corrupt. A business might want the country to be at war because they make more money during war than during times of peace.
Where the term came from
President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower used the term in his farewell speech—the last speech he gave while he was the President. He said, "we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex." This was a warning. It means that people should be careful or the military-industrial complex will get too much power.
Today, the term is used a lot by people writing and talking about politics. Especially when the subject is militarism in the United States. It also appears in discussions about private military companies—businesses that commonly employ soldiers who have left the military.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The 20 largest US defense contractors ranked by their defense revenue as of 2020.
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United States Defense Spending 2001–2017
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Share of arms sales by country. Source is provided by SIPRI.
See also
In Spanish: Complejo industrial-militar para niños
