THE LONAVALA DAYS

 

SIGNS OF A MILATARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

The military Industrial complex (MIC) describes the relationship between a nation's military and the defense industry , seen together as a vested interest which influences public policy.
Both the world wars saw weapons of war conceived and produced on an industrial scale, often moving industrial capability and capacity away from producing goods of human consumption  towards  manufacture of weapons,  fighter aircrafts and war ships. After the wars this infrastructure remained dedicated to building weapons.
Sometime in the early 60's, Dwight Eisenhower, who was the American President then, gave meaning to this phrase and thus alerted the people of the world to its implication.

He said and I quote,
" Now this conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry ....  The total influence—economic, political, even spiritual—is felt in every city, every Statehouse, every office of the Federal government. Yet, we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. ."
Calling attention to its dangers, he added,
"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes"

Nothing more has turned out so close to the truth than this warning. Powerful nations of the world, during the last five to six decades, have built their economics on their MIC. They influenced the politics, policies and the ability of powerful nations to exploit weaker ones  Their dark shadow was caste wide and deep among  vast majority of the people of nations who either could not afford or were too divided to resist.
Either in the name of protecting democracy or by furthering totalitarian control of people, powerful politicians, aided by the defense establishment, have partnered the  armaments industry and controlled the life’s  of millions of people or have even destroyed it . Liberty and freedom for the vast majority, became only a utopian dream. Wars were instigated, nations occupied, conflicts inflicted by the nexus between the politicians of powerful nations and their MIC. Governments were funded, elections financed and a ruling establishment of their choice were placed in the seats of power. Seats of power of these powerful nations!

Decades have passed, geo politics have changed. There are nations who have moved out from being “underdeveloped” to a “developing” one or an “emerging power”. Here too, one can see the emergence of such a confluence of interest between the ruling establishment, defence and the worlds arms Industry.
India, meanwhile, was fighting another battle. That of poverty alleviation and caste discrimination. That war had been won to a great extent and from the last decade or so the country has seen the burgeoning rise of a middle class.  Further, there has been Industrial groups who have made it to the list of the world largest corporations. These industrial groups have their tentacles firmly in the government and are influencing it, considerably. They have now also established alliances with the world’s armament who’s who. 

 

Then there is an aspiring population. Of people who have been led to believe that India needs to regain its so called (and unsubstantiated) past glory and power. It was just a hop, skip and jump away before this class of people were suitably exploited by a political dispensation and made to aspire for a " strong military force" capable of pushing the nations " interest" across the borders and oceans. Signs of friction being created with neighbors and other nations have appeared.  The narration has been shifted to quickly acquire arms and equally fast, build an armaments industry, at the cost of depriving the nation of money for human development!

 

Thus, the stage is set in India too! Of the MIC firmly being in the saddle and dictating policy and the nations way forward. However, the lessons of the past, lessons learned by the powerful nations of never being able to win a war or gain sustainable advantage over life of nations, is yet to dawn on Indians and the rulers. History shows that the acts led by the MIC across the world has only left nations destroyed and weakened and a world much the worse.

 

The ancient history and the freedom movement was founded on a peace-loving, ahimsa bound nation. It has served us well for over seven plus decades. We have progressed, albeit less than totalitarian nations have, but by practicing the values of liberty and free choice. We did not ally closely with any world powers but maintained a healthy friendly distance from them. This may also change soon and then we too may be engulfed in the MIC lit flame. Unless we are guarded. Unless we adhere to the principles enshrined in our constitution. Unless we are smart enough to see through the games of vilely politicians and their MIC masters. So that future generations will consider us smart!