Military/Defense as a Complex Adaptive System

Even though Eisenhower was behind much of it he was wise enough in his farewell to warn us of the dangers of the Military-Industrial-complex. Despite the warning successive administrations have continued use this complex, adding layers, connections, and interrelationships until it permeates our society.  This is an example of a complex adaptive system.

Keynesian economics prevailed after WW II and the MIC provided a smooth and unfettered way to pump the economy. Today we spend more on defense than the next ten nations combined.

We are the unquestioned policeman of the world. When you are a surgeon and have a knife you tend to see everyone as having a surgical problem. When you are the leader of the largest and most powerful military force in the world you tend to a similar view.

Again the question is: What can we do as individuals to balance the power Eisenhower warned us about?

Seeing differently is the beginning.

To get an grasp on the big picture of how to start seeing differently, visit our “Idea Behind This” page.

Thinking anayltically has affected many facets of our society.  Read more about the consequences of analytical thinking in the following areas:

*Insurance is designed to pay for the unexpected crisis. Health insurance started that way in the U.S. but gradually, because the companies we work for were paying for it and getting a better tax break, it morphed into paying for it all. That means we have less interest in getting the ounce of prevention than if we were paying for some of those costs. Children we talk to about the dangers of drugs just say they’ll get a brain transplant if they burn theirs out. That’s why we think that Health Savings Accounts should be promoted by the government more; they put the individual back in a position of responsibility in making more choices in their health care. With Health Savings Accounts an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.


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