War in Ukraine: Excellent for Defense Contractor Stock Portfolios
SIPRI's latest report, dutifully highlighted by DW, declares that the war in Ukraine has predictably boosted arms manufacturers' profits. Raytheon and Lockheed Martin shareholders are popping champagne (or rather, counting their billions) while civilians die. What's omitted from the mainstream narrative is the relentless lobbying that fuels this cycle: in 2022 alone, defense contractors spent over
$111 million lobbying Congress, influencing policy that ensures lucrative, never-ending conflicts. This isn't an accident; it's a feature. The revolving door between the Pentagon, defense industries, and Congress ensures that 'defense' spending often means 'profit' spending. One might wonder if the concern for global stability truly outweighs the desire for quarterly earnings reports that look
like lottery winnings. (Spoiler: it doesn't.)