I was wondering this when I debated war with my brother who said, that at least war and tax money going to the us army is not wasted, since war is profitable.
But how is war profitable? The Iraq war cost 5 trillion dollars, which is more money than exists in the entire world. And the US military has an annual budget of 500 Billion, which is about switzerlands GPD.
So how can you possibly recuperate that much money? Because that is more money than oil could possibly be worth.
So how does the US military make its money back?
In: Economics
For a little background, you can read (free, online) the classic “[War is a Racket](https://www.ratical.org/ratville/CAH/warisaracket.html),” a 1935 speech and book by retired Marine Corps major general named Smedley Butler. He had witnessed the “banana wars” in Central America and the resultant profiteering. It’s a remarkable book you can read in one sitting.
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