Coal Comforts: The Military-Industrial Complex's New Energy Mandate
Connect these dots: FIRST INSTANCE: Leveraging National Security for Economic Intervention (1950s) The notion of the Pentagon as an economic engine for struggling industries isn't new. During the Cold War, the Department of Defense (DoD) became a critical consumer across various sectors, from steel and automotive to electronics, under the guise of national security preparedness. Consider the
extensive post-Korean War defense buildup, where massive contracts were awarded not just for direct military needs but to maintain industrial capacity deemed vital for long-term strategic competition. This effectively backstopped industries that might have otherwise struggled with shifts in consumer demand or global competition. The rationale was simple: a strong industrial base was a strong
nation. REPETITIONS: The 'Strategic Reserve' Playbook (1970s-2000s) This tactic evolved significantly. In the 1970s, facing oil shocks, the US established the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). While primarily intended to cushion against supply disruptions, its very existence and subsequent fill/draw decisions have often been influenced by political considerations, impacting domestic oil prices
and industry stability. Fast forward to the 2000s, and post-9/11 defense spending surged across a range of industries, from cybersecurity to logistics, often with contracts going to specific companies with strong political ties, further solidifying the link between national security and corporate welfare. The 'Buy American' clauses in defense procurement, intensified after 2009, also represent