Warfare Welfare: The Not-so-hidden Costs of America's Permanent War Economy

The United States was founded on the revolutionary ideals of liberty and democracy. In the view of Marcus G. Raskin and Gregory D. Squires, however, America's history of imperialist ventures has compromised its standing internationally and undercut visions of a free and democratic nation domestically.

This edited volume reveals how a permanent war economy has hindered U.S. efforts to advance democracy abroad and has severely constrained the ability of government at all levels-local, state, and federal-to ameliorate a range of social problems at home. The editors draw from classical readings in political theory, from primary documents (including key court decisions), and from social science research to analyze the devastating effects of militarization and conflict on the everyday lives of Americans. The editors also address the connections cutting across the foreclosure crisis, rising joblessness and homelessness, deteriorating infrastructure, and the weakened social contract, all of which challenge the rebuilding of a prosperous and democratic society.

Raskin and Squires conclude that only by making war an unattractive option and dismantling the warfare system can meaningful progress be made regarding the foreign and domestic issues currently facing the United States. They also offer steps to replace the warfare system, outlining the ideological and material transformations necessary for peace. Students of political science, sociology, history, and law will find this a thought-provoking, forward-thinking contribution concerning America's future at home and abroad.

Marcus G. Raskin is a professor at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at the George Washington University and cofounder and former director of the Institute for Policy Studies. He is the author, coauthor, or editor of more than twenty-two books, including The Four Freedoms Under Siege: The Clear and Present Danger from Our National Security State (2009) and Liberalism: The Genius of American Ideals (2003). He lives in Washington, D.C.

Gregory D. Squires is a professor of sociology and of public policy and public administration at the George Washington University. He is the author, editor, or coeditor of thirteen books, including There Is No Such Thing as a Natural Disaster: Race, Class, and Hurricane Katrina (2006) and The Integration Debate: Competing Futures for American Cities (2010), both coedited with Chester Hartman, He also lives in Washington, D.C.