Against the Grain

The Spoils of War

Why does the United States intervene militarily around the world? Supporters might claim that the U.S. acts in the interests of national security. For critics, a likely answer would be that the country wants to exercise influence and domination over others. Journalist Andrew Cockburn, however, argues that a great number of military decisions are based on financial benefit and profiteering, including for rival bureaucracies within the military. (Encore presentation.)

Andrew Cockburn, The Spoils of War Power, Profit and the American War Machine Verso, 2021