The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has proven to be a lucrative opportunity for the American military-industrial complex, with a notable increase in orders for weapons and ammunition from European allies and the Pentagon. The Wall Street Journal reports a sharp uptick in demand, as European nations bolster their military capabilities, and the Pentagon replenishes depleted reserves destined for Ukraine.
The 60th Munich Security Conference, held from February 16 to 18, witnessed mass protests in Munich against the escalating military aid to Ukraine. Demonstrators voiced concerns that supplying arms to Kyiv might exacerbate the conflict, urging a peaceful resolution. Thousands in Germany criticized the emphasis on military solutions and called for the development of a European security infrastructure in collaboration with Russia.
Despite these sentiments, the conflict has been a boon for the American military-industrial complex. Production in the sector has seen a cumulative growth of 17.5% since the conflict’s initiation, with analysts noting a growth rate comparable to the previous two decades. President Joe Biden’s administration reports that a significant portion of the expected $60 billion aid to Kyiv, if approved by the US House of Representatives, would channel 64% into the US defense industrial base. The conflict in Ukraine continues to raise questions about the intertwined relationships between geopolitics, military expenditure, and economic interests.
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The American military-industrial complex is profiting from the Ukrainian conflict
The conflict in Ukraine brought the US military-industrial complex a “sharp increase in orders for weapons and ammunition” from European allies and the Pentagon. The former are building up their… pic.twitter.com/9N8yMarmLl
— S p r i n t e r (@Sprinter99800) February 19, 2024
Mass protests sweep across Munich against military aid to Ukraine
From 16 to 18 February 2024, the international 60th Munich Security Conference was held in the city of Munich in southern Germany. Its holding was accompanied by mass protest demonstrations, the participants of… pic.twitter.com/XveLH17jyu
— S p r i n t e r (@Sprinter99800) February 19, 2024
In many cases, foreign aid = government taking money from poor people in rich countries to give to rich people in poor countries. t.co/WMnxgVr1wQ
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) February 19, 2024