Question

• Why did Eisenhower warn the American people to be cautious of the growing military-industrial complex? What concerned him?
• Do you perceive the relationship between the military and weapons/security industries to be a good thing for national security? Do you think it's a bad thing? Provide detailed reasoning for your answer.

Answer 1

The only president in the history of United states who has also served as a general in world war 2, on completion of his 2nd term as president warned Americans in his farewell speech about the growing military- industry complex. The reason he sited behind this famous speech was to channalise huge part of national resources on other diversified and much needed areas like in health and educational services. President had seen the war closely and thats why he was concerned that the increasing military and industry relationships may lead to a situation which might be a threat to democratically elected government.

I find this relationship is good as far as it is serving the the interest of national security. I do also find it good because it renders a great opportunities in technological development and skill enhancement. The lives of many people is based on this industry so, I find it good upto a certain limit.

I find it bad at the same time when the relationship grows out of proportion and it starts to weaken the democracy. In the name of national security , a huge lobbying group comes into picture which markets for the concerned companies and product at the cost of the development of essential services like health and education.