Book Description

In the post-cold war era there has been a growing debate inside the United States over the size of the defense budget and its effect on the economy. This book argues that the domestic political economy and national security issues are not separate and distant spheres. And in relation to this, that national security policy is often dictated by internal social and economic pressures as much as by global events. Alex Mintz has drawn together leading scholars in the field of the political economy who have addressed key questions concerning US defense spending. The book addresses the links between electoral cycles and the awarding of defense contracts as well as the issue of public opinion on defense spending. The contributors go on to explore the relationship between corporate profits, stock prices and defense expenditure and the impact of defense spending on economic growth and social welfare. The Political Economy of Military Spending in the United States will appeal to all students of national security, especially those concerned with defense spending policy. It will also be valuable reading for anyone researching the political economy approach to defense spending.