Themes

1. A Violent Foundation

The US doesn’t by and large see itself as a violent country. Its own past, however, is premised on violence beginning with the taking of land from the indigenous people.

2. Bipartisan Militarism

In a very divided nation, an overwhelming number of people in the political arena support a strong military whether they identify as Republicans, Democrats, or MAGA.

3. Cultural Saturation

Militarism and violence permeate every aspect of contemporary US culture; communities, domestic police forces, and the military itself. It has become the hallmark of who we are as a people and a culture.

4. Expansion & Control

Militarism almost inevitably leads to subduing and colonizing other people and nations.

5. Profiting from War

Military contractors and their major executives and stockholders profit prodigiously from war. Academia, Congress, and local politicians also are substantial beneficiaries.

6. The “Case” for the Military Industrial Complex

In his book Brave New World Order (Orbis Books, 1992), Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer identified six defining characteristics of a National Security State:

Military supremacy: The military becomes the highest authority within society, exerting influence not only over defense policy, but also political and economic affairs.
Distrust of democracy: Democratic participation and elections are viewed with suspicion, tolerated largely for appearances while ultimate power remains concentrated within military structures.
Elite concentration of power: Military and economic institutions reinforce systems where wealth and influence remain concentrated among political and financial elites.
Obsession with enemies: External and internal threats become central to national identity, shaping politics, economics, and public consciousness.
Justification of extreme measures: Because enemies are portrayed as ruthless, virtually any action taken against them becomes framed as acceptable or necessary.
Restriction of public discourse: Secrecy, intimidation, and fear narrow public debate, limiting democratic participation while policies are increasingly shaped behind closed doors.