The Spoils of War: Power, Profit and the American War Machine

The American war machine is driven by profit, not democracy or glory, as revealed by Andrew Cockburn in his book "The Spoils of War." He exposes the extent of corruption from the Pentagon to Wall St and Silicon Valley, showing how private passions and interests control it, particularly an obsession with money.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

The pursuit of profit, rather than democracy or glory, drives America's military actions, as evidenced by the retreat from Kabul. In his book, "The Spoils of War," renowned Washington reporter Andrew Cockburn exposes the depth of corruption that permeates from the Pentagon and the White House to Wall Street and Silicon Valley. The American war machine operates solely on the private passions and interests of those in control, primarily driven by a fierce desire for money. Cockburn's scathing report reveals how Washington expanded NATO to fulfill the urgent financial demands of an arms manufacturer, how the U.S. Navy's Pacific fleet deployments were influenced by corrupt contractors who bribed high-ranking officers with cash and prostitutes, and how senior marine commanders agreed to a troop surge in Afghanistan in 2017 purely for financial gain.

Through years of extensive research, Cockburn unveils the stark reality of the world's largest military machine: a squalid and terrifyingly dangerous entity. His book serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the corruptive forces that shape American foreign policy and the immense toll it takes on both the military and the civilian population. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the true motives behind America's military interventions and the devastating consequences they have on global security.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839763687
Edition number: New ed