We talk a lot about the military-industrial complex, but what exactly is it, who makes it up, and why are they so important?
A new coalition groups opposing their local war companies has joined together to form the War Industry Resisters Network, focused on corporate control over US foreign policy.
The political influence of several weapons manufacturers has made these companies extravagantly wealthy, all while the United States has wasted trillions of dollars on military adventurism and destroyed large parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, killing at least hundreds of thousands and displacing tens of millions. The 5 major companies with the most influence and power are:
- Raytheon Technologies
- Lockheed Martin
- Boeing
- Northrop Grumman
- General Dynamics
We’ll take a look at these companies, their partnership with the US government, and their influence over the US Congress and the Executive Branch, under both Democratic and Republican presidents.
Why, despite public opposition, do military budgets continue to rise and arms sales to authoritarian governments continue?
To answer these questions we’ll be joined by experts including:
- William D. Hartung, a senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. His work focuses on the arms industry and U.S. military budget. He was previously the director of the Arms and Security Program at the Center for International Policy and the co-director of the Center’s Sustainable Defense Task Force. He is the author of Prophets of War: Lockheed Martin and the Making of the Military-Industrial Complex (Nation Books, 2011) and the co-editor, with Miriam Pemberton, of Lessons from Iraq: Avoiding the Next War.
- Christian Sorensen, an independent journalist mainly focused on the U.S. war industry. An Air Force veteran, he is the author of Understanding the War Industry, published by Clarity Press. He is also a senior fellow at the Eisenhower Media Network, an organization of independent veteran military and national security experts. His website is warindustrymuster.com, where one can view his monthly distillations of Pentagon contracts.
More Panelists TBA.
In his farewell speech President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a man who had helped build up the military for World War II and commanded Allied Forces in Europe, famously warned:
“In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military–industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists, and will persist.”
This warning has become a reality. To take the country back from the malevolent military-industrial complex, the corporations that make it up must be countered locally.
Register to attend!
First of a series of webinars organized by the War Industry Resisters Network.
With Congress appropriating funds for new and upgraded nuclear weapons and delivery systems, the need to counter these misguided policies has become acute. The 2022 Conference will follow the general pattern of previous conferences, but with increased emphasis on coordinating efforts of advocates, and expanding outreach to organizations and constituencies outside the world of nuclear disarmament advocates. Register to attend.
Agenda:
[2:00 pm] Welcome – Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas, MIT Chaplain to the Institute
[2:05 pm] Background and Tasks of this Conference- Prof. Jonathan King
[2:10 pm] Dangers and Costs: Chair – Susan Mirsky:
- Prohibiting First Use of Nuclear Weapons – Elaine Scarry
- Resisting a New Cold War with China – Joseph Gerson
- How the Nuclear Weapons Manufacturers Influence Policy – William Hartung
- A Moral Fusion Movement to Change the Political Landscape- Shailly Gupta Barnes
[3:10 pm] Paths Forward: Chair – Jean Athey:
- Barriers to Policy Change – Phyllis Bennis
- Prospects for Changing U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policies – Joe Cirincione
- Role of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in Promoting Nuclear Disarmament – Larry Cohen
[4:00 pm] Break
[4:10 pm] Breakout rooms (listed below)
[5:15 pm] Moving Outward: Chair – Jodie Evans:
- Prospects for Change in the US House – Representative Barbara Lee
- Prospects for Change in the US Senate –Senator Jeff Merkley
- Moving our Ideas into Political Action – Medea Benjamin.
[6:00 pm] Adjourn.
Breakouts, to be held earlier 4:15 – 5:00 pm: These are focused working groups planning for 2022. Reporters to provide summary of proposals from the Breakout for circulation to Registrants and co-sponsoring organizations.
A. Growing in New Congressional Districts
B. Promoting Nuclear Disarmament in Rotary Clubs
C. Promoting Nuclear Disarmament within Communities of Faith
D. Advancing the Back From the Brink Resolution
E. Advancing No First Use Legislation
F. Cutting the Budget for New Nuclear Weapons
G. Resisting a New Cold War and Promoting International Treaties
H. Fund Healthcare Not Warfare; Recruiting in the Public Health Community
I. Recruiting on Campuses
J. No Wars, No Warming
K. Mobilizing Cultural Workers, Musicians and Artists
L. Working with Our Revolution Chapters
M. Working with Poor People’s Campaign Chapters
N. Designing Direct Actions including Divestment
O. Working with State Legislators
Co-Sponsors: Campaign for Peace, Disarmament and Common Security; CodePINK; Institute for People’s Engagement; Massachusetts Peace Action; MIT Radius; MIT Faculty Newsletter; Nuclear Weapons Education Campaign; Nuclear Disarmament Coordinating Committee
Thanks to the Amy Rugel Giving Fund and Norris Rugel Giving Fund for financial support.
Citizen Action of New York envisions a world where every person’s basic needs are met. It’s a world filled with love and respect for its people and the planet. It’s a world where democracy reigns and each person is able to reach their fullest potential. It’s a world where equity is the norm and oppression, in all forms, is eradicated. It’s a world without war, violence, or the threat of climate destruction. The world we want is possible, but it will only exist if we work together.
CANY is kicking off the 2022 Legislative Session with a virtual pump up event—with keynote speaker, India Walton! And special guests: NYC Council Member Tiffany Cabán and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas!
Gather virtually to get excited and engaged in the ongoing fight for justice, then break into smaller groups to plan strategic ways to win big on all the issues that matter to us.
Click here to read the full 2022 Justice Agenda.
