Military-industrial complex

Definition

The military-industrial complex refers to the close relationship between a nation's military, its government, and the defense industry that supplies it. This partnership can lead to increased military spending and the promotion of policies that favor defense contracts, impacting various sectors, including economic growth and technological development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Mexico became a central hub for military research and development during the Cold War, with facilities like Los Alamos National Laboratory playing a key role in nuclear weapons development.
2. The military-industrial complex in New Mexico led to job creation in both military and civilian sectors, driving economic growth in the state.
3. The presence of major military installations in New Mexico, such as Kirtland Air Force Base, strengthened the local economy and fostered innovation in defense technology.
4. Federal funding for military projects contributed significantly to New Mexico's overall budget, highlighting the state's reliance on defense-related spending.
5. The Cold War period saw a rise in public-private partnerships in New Mexico, where private defense contractors collaborated with government agencies to advance military technology.

Review Questions

• How did the military-industrial complex influence economic development in New Mexico during the Cold War?
  • The military-industrial complex significantly boosted economic development in New Mexico by creating jobs and fostering growth through military contracts and research projects. Facilities like Los Alamos National Laboratory attracted skilled workers and investments, leading to a thriving economy centered around defense-related activities. The state's reliance on federal funding for these initiatives emphasized the importance of the military-industrial complex in shaping its economic landscape.
• Evaluate the role of major military installations in New Mexico and their impact on the state's technological advancements during the Cold War.
  • Major military installations like Kirtland Air Force Base played a crucial role in New Mexico's technological advancements during the Cold War. These bases not only supported military operations but also facilitated research and development collaborations between government agencies and private contractors. As a result, New Mexico became a hotbed for innovation in defense technology, contributing to significant breakthroughs that shaped national security strategies.
• Assess the long-term implications of New Mexico's involvement in the military-industrial complex on its political landscape and public policy.
  • New Mexico's deep involvement in the military-industrial complex has had lasting implications on its political landscape and public policy. The state's economy became heavily dependent on defense spending, leading politicians to prioritize military contracts over other social needs. This dynamic has fostered a culture of lobbying within the state, where defense contractors influence policy decisions to maintain funding and support for military initiatives, ultimately shaping New Mexico's governance and community priorities.

Related terms

Defense Spending: Government expenditure on military and defense initiatives, often influenced by the military-industrial complex to ensure a strong national defense.

Lobbying: The act of influencing government policy or decisions, often employed by defense contractors to secure government contracts and funding.

Cold War:

A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, which significantly increased military expenditures and shaped the military-industrial complex.