World Events (June 1953)

Large scale military spending can have but one outcome: an increase in the size of the military forces, an extension of their influence, growing participation of the military in the direction of public business, a greater emphasis on armed might as an instrument for carrying out federal policy.

The interests of those who dominate the economy and those who direct the military have this much in common: enlarged military spending, within the limits of solvency, benefits both business and the armed forces. President Eisenhower (April 30, 1953) put the proposition in these words:

I have always firmly believed that there is a great logic in the conduct of military affairs. There is an equally great logic in economic affairs. If these two logical disciplines can be wedded, it is then possible to create a situation of maximum military strength within economic capacities.

Here is the basis for that cooperation between business and the military which has been the hard core of fascism in Italy, Japan and Germany and which is now being established between President Eisenhower, representing the armed forces, and his cabinet of top-flight businessmen.

Scott Nearing, “World Events,” Monthly Review, June 1953


Scott Nearing was a frequent contributor to Monthly Review. His column “World Events” ran in Monthly Review from 1953 to 1972. This piece appeared in the June 1953 issue of the magazine.