The Profits of War: Who Benefits?

The question of who profits from war is a complex and often overlooked one. As I was responding to Nimmy Sunny's comment earlier today, a parable from Aesop's Fables stood out to me. It speaks to the core of this issue, reminding us that while those in the middle and higher levels may reap significant rewards, it is the lower levels of society that suffer. Let us explore this further.

Aesop’s Fable: The Lion and the Boar

The story of the Lion and the Boar, as told in Aesop's fables, illustrates the futility of feeding greed and the consequences of conflict. The Lion and the Boar, both mighty creatures, were fighting over who gets to drink water from a hole. Their battle was fierce but exhausted them, leading both to rest. However, as they took a break, they noticed a flock of vultures waiting in the distance, anticipating the fate of their fallen rivals.

Enlightenment dawned upon the Lion and the Boar. They realized that by continuing their conflict, they were merely serving as fuel for the vultures. This fable serves as a timeless reminder that those who profit from strife are not the ones who engage in the conflict. It invites us to reflect on the current context of warfare and the true beneficiaries.

Modern War Profiteers

In the current era of warfare, the defense industries and their stakeholders profit handsomely from the perpetuation of conflict. According to various reports, weapons manufacturers in the United States, for instance, are reaping substantial financial gains through government contracts. The cost of modern weaponry has skyrocketed, with a single HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) or a modern jet fighter being prohibitively expensive. CNBC has highlighted how the financial gains from these contracts can be mind-boggling, making it clear who is profiting from the war.

The Financial Gain from War

The financial gains from war extend beyond the defense industries. Politicians and industrial complexes that supply the tools of war also benefit. These industries ensure that there is virtually no unemployment as everyone is employed in some capacity, fueling the economy and garnering political support for ongoing conflicts. This ecosystem is a perfect example of how the profits from war permeate various sectors.

Ultimately, the victorious nation as a whole gains financially, but it is the bankers who emerge as the greatest winners. Many of the companies profiting from war have substantial debt to service. Wars create new opportunities for generating debt, which in turn helps to pay off old debts. This cycle of debt ensures that the financial industry remains tightly integrated into the cycle of conflict and profitability.

The Elite Class and War Profits

It is not just the bottom line of companies and individual profiteers that profit from war. The wealthy and powerful classes benefit as well. This includes individuals and entities that straddle the line between wealth and power. For instance, Leona Helmsley, Martha Stewart, and the relatives of Jeffrey Epstein have all been associated with wealth and power. These individuals demonstrate that the line between wealth and power is often blurred, particularly in the context of war.

The fable of the Lion and the Boar teaches us that while fables are meant to be entertaining, they often carry profound truths. In today's context, the profits of war are far from accidental; they are a result of deliberate policies and actions by powerful elites. As we reflect on the causes and consequences of conflict, it is crucial to understand that the vultures of the business world are ready and waiting to swoop in and profit.

In summary, the profits of war are not a simple byproduct of conflict; they are a strategic and deliberate outcome of the actions of those in power. It is important for us to critically examine the role of various stakeholders, including defense industries, bankers, and politicians, to fully understand the broader implications of war.