The Military-Industrial Complex and American Society

The first complete reference on the military-industrial complex, from its Cold War era expansion to the present. The Military-Industrial Complex and American Society addresses the broad subject of the political economy of defense research and its wide-reaching effects on many aspects of American life. Ranging from the massive arms buildup of the Cold War to the influx of private contractors and corporations such as Halliburton, it reveals the interconnectedness of the military, industry, and government within the history of this public/private enterprise. The Military-Industrial Complex and American Society offers over 100 alphabetically organized entries on a wide of range of significant research bodies and government agencies, as well as important people, events, and technologies. In addition, a series of essays looks at such essential topics as propaganda, think tanks, defense budgeting, the defense industry and the economy, and the breakdown of the military-industrial complex in Vietnam. With this work, students, policymakers, and other interested readers will understand the ramifications of the relationships between industry, scientific and technological communities, the government, and society. President Dwight Eisenhower famously warned against private companies gaining too much influence with the Defense Department. In the years since, what he termed the military-industrial complex has both provided an important boost to the nation's economy and generated debate-- particularly during the Iraq War when the former head of a controversial defense contractor served as vice president. A Comprehensive Reference On The Military-industrial Complex, From Its Cold War Era Expansion To The Present. --from Publisher Description. Sterling Michael Pavelec, Editor. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 389-412) And Index. Covers the military-industrial complex, from its Cold War era expansion to the present.