- The global community must be wondering why the ill-advised and uncalled-for conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to meander along despite the imposition of stringent restrictions and sanctions. We are also left to wonder how Russia can milk the situation by diverting its huge energy resources to other countries, including India, at a discounted price serving both countries’ purposes. Russia will receive much-needed cash to stay afloat and India will receive the precious energy requirements at a lesser price as compared to pre-conflict rates. No one is complaining. The European countries are at a loss here since Russia started diverting its energy resources elsewhere. Likewise, the conflict between Israel and Hamas meanders along without any palpable sign of peace being given a chance. This is the reality looked at from any angle.
PC: Indian Defence Review
- The moot point to ponder over here is who is benefiting from the ongoing conflicts where scores of innocent lives and properties worth billions have already been lost. Yes, affected people are raising the banner of revolt. Over the weekend tens of thousands of Israelis began four days of demonstrations against their govt over its handling of the Gaza war. But is Netanyahu listening? Not at all. In ports across the world, some dock workers and others have protested shipments of military cargo to Israel. Has that halted Israel’s offensive? No, again. This dissonance between the decision-makers and increasingly vocal popular opinion shows why it’s really difficult to stop conflicts today once started. But who is benefiting from the destructive conflicts?
- Arms companies benefit from wars. Generals, who don’t usually die fighting, like weapons. Therefore, they like arms companies. However, the influence of arms companies on political leadership is less discussed. Per SIPRI, Europe is witnessing record defense spending with companies like Germany’s Rheinmetall and France’s Dassault Aviation witnessing 367% and 89% growth, respectively, in share prices. Almost all politicians like companies that are doing well, they like jobs being created, and they respect their generals. Plus, wanting to be macho is a universal political weakness. Hence the political-industrial-military complex. Look at Biden. Despite protests from young Democrats, he continues to ship weapons to Israel saying protesters have a point.
PC: Curious Times
- Nonetheless, he fears cutting off weapons supplies to Tel Aviv might jeopardize his re-election campaign – American arms firms like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics are big political financers. And generals want weapons to be tested. Further, Africa is awash with weapons and multiple conflict zones. Little wonder, all top weapons manufacturers have a presence on the continent. Notably, Russia is a leading arms supplier in the sub-Saharan region. China is close behind in the second spot, while the US and France continue to have new and legacy weapons platforms. The global arms industry today is more powerful than ever. And when its interests align with those of politicians, war becomes big business. And death sadly becomes statistics.
