Relevance: GS Paper 2 (Governance), GS Paper 3 (Security) • Source: The Indian Express

The Present & Historical Context

The term Military–Industrial Complex gained prominence during the Cold War when nations dramatically increased defence spending. In the United States, President Dwight Eisenhower’s 1961 farewell address warned of the growing influence of defence industries on public policy.

Today, rising geopolitical tensions and global arms races make the concept relevant again as defence budgets and military–industry linkages expand worldwide.

What is the Military–Industrial Complex?

It refers to the close relationship between a country’s armed forces, defence industries, and policymakers.

• Defence firms lobby for higher military spending.
• Governments depend on private industry for weapons, research and technology.
• This interdependence can shape national security decisions, sometimes prioritising profit over public interest.

MCQ

Q. The term Military–Industrial Complex refers to:
(a) A defence alliance among major powers
(b) A coordinated mechanism between the UN and armed forces
(c) A close network of the military, defence industries, and government influencing policy
(d) A global body regulating arms trade

Answer: (c)