top | item 31274240

(no title)

maybeOneDay | 3 years ago

Sure. I do not argue that we should abolish the military and all defence industry. I _do_ argue that the military industrial complex is by and large profit driven and motivated by greed not the desire to protect its citizens. I do believe that anyone working for, for example, BAE systems is on average making the world a (much) worse place. I don't believe the individuals involved are necessarily morally bankrupt themselves.

discuss

order

dougabug|3 years ago

You agree that there should be a military and a defense industry, but anyone working on weapons R&D is a malevolent actor (ie “making the world a much worse place)? This seems illogical.

The effectiveness of a military is tightly bound to its long term R&D armaments. Without highly effective arms, and proper training and tactics, casualties suffered by our armed forces in combat would be far higher (as the Russians are discovering).

If you accept that the military exists at least in part to protect you, then investment in arms development follows as an obligation to those sent into harms way on your behalf.

maybeOneDay|3 years ago

I agree there should be a military and a defense industry which is _different_ from our current system. I believe anyone working for the _current_ system is likely to be causing harm greater than the good they also cause.

Malevolent implies intent. I'm sure that there are non evil people who are working for BAE. I'm also sure that the vast majority of them have facilitated far more innocent death than worthy defense of life.

> casualties suffered by our armed forces in combat would be far higher

I have not supported any of the military action my nation has taken in my lifetime and any casualties are primarily a result of the greed (for power, votes, or wealth) of those in power. The lack of equipment has acutely caused casualties, but the existence of the military industrial complex has caused the wars in which they take place.

I'm not saying I have the great solution to end all war and create world peace. But I can't see a reason other than naivety, apathy, or propaganda that someone could work for BAE and think they are doing good in the world.