The Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) is a term coined by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell address, warning about the powerful alliance between the military and defense contractors. The MIC is responsible for much of the U.S. military spending, which currently amounts to about $1.5 trillion annually, double the amount spent on all non-military purposes combined. This vast expenditure supports a few large companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Boeing, and General Dynamics, which dominate the war industry and profit immensely from ongoing conflicts and military engagements.

Bombs and other weapons produced by these companies cause immense human suffering, including injuries, deaths, and widespread destruction. Since 2001, U.S. wars have resulted in the deaths of an estimated 4.5 million people, injured tens of millions, and displaced at least 38 million. This indicates the severe human cost of war, further exacerbated by the MIC's influence. The financial benefits of these conflicts are enjoyed by a small group of individuals and companies, leading to significant ethical concerns.

President Eisenhower's reference to military spending as a "theft" highlights how funds directed to the MIC are diverted from essential services like healthcare, education, and climate change mitigation. The term "theft" underscores the societal loss of resources that could otherwise improve quality of life and address urgent needs. The MIC's influence on federal budget priorities is substantial, often overshadowing actual military threats to the United States.

The MIC's operations involve a cycle of legalized corruption, where Congress allocates large sums of taxpayer money to the Pentagon, which then directs funds to weapons manufacturers. These contractors, in turn, lobby Congress for more contracts, often employing former Pentagon officials or members of Congress. Campaign donations from these contractors further influence Pentagon budgets and contracts, ensuring continued funding for the MIC.

The profitability of the war industry perpetuates conflict, as the MIC benefits financially from ongoing military engagements in regions like Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The environmental damage caused by the MIC, including pollution and climate change, adds another layer of harm. Additionally, the MIC contributes to the militarization of domestic police forces by transferring military equipment to local law enforcement agencies. This domestic militarization disproportionately impacts Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, further highlighting the MIC's harmful influence.

Despite the MIC's power, reducing military spending is challenging due to its influence over both political parties. However, cutting the Pentagon's budget could free up significant funds for other societal needs. Former Trump-era Pentagon chief Christopher Miller even called for cutting the Pentagon’s budget in half. Dismantling the MIC requires bold and systemic changes, such as divestment campaigns, lawsuits, banning war profiteering, and converting military functions to more peaceful purposes. Addressing the MIC's influence and reallocating military spending could lead to substantial social and environmental benefits, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to national priorities.