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Introduction
Those in power, often wealthy elites or governments, initiate conflicts for their own interests—such as economic gain, territorial expansion, or political control—while the burden of fighting and suffering falls on the less privileged, typically the working class or the poor.
1. Initiated by the Wealthy and Fought by the Poor
There are numerous scholars, professors, and essays that discuss the theme of socio-economic disparities in warfare, particularly the idea that wars are often initiated by the wealthy and fought by the poor:
- C. Wright Mills – In his book “The Power Elite,” Mills discusses how a small group of elites control the major decisions in society, including those related to war, while the general populace is often left to bear the consequences.
- Howard Zinn – In “A People’s History of the United States,” Zinn examines various conflicts in American history from the perspective of those who fought them, highlighting the disconnect between the motivations of the powerful and the experiences of ordinary soldiers.
- Noam Chomsky – Chomsky has written extensively on the political economy of war, particularly in relation to U.S. foreign policy. His works often critique how wars serve the interests of the elite while disproportionately affecting the less privileged.
- John Pilger – A journalist and documentary filmmaker, Pilger has produced works that critique the motivations behind wars and the impact on ordinary people, emphasizing the role of economic interests.
2. Some notable quotes from various figures that reflect the theme of socio-economic disparities in warfare
C. Wright Mills
“The power elite are those who make the big decisions in the United States. They are the ones who decide when to go to war, and they are not the ones who fight it.” (The Power Elite – Wikipedia)
Howard Zinn
“We need to decide that we will not go to war, whatever reason is conjured up by the politicians or the media, because war in our time is always indiscriminate, a war against innocents, a war against children” (“The Old Way of Thinking,” published in The Progressive magazine in November 2001)
“If those in charge of our society – politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television – can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves.” (Declarations of Independence: Cross-Examining American Ideology)
Noam Chomsky
The concept of “national interest” encompasses various interests, but it primarily reflects the interests of dominant domestic forces in society. Essentially, the national interest represents the interests of the very rich and major corporations—those who set government policy. In this context, the general population is often considered irrelevant. Frequently, the public strongly opposes government policies, yet their opinions are disregarded.
Noam Chomsky (2014): What Does National Interests Actually Mean? – YouTube
Former U.S. Major General Smedley Darlington Butler
“War is a racket. It is conducted for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many, and the poor are the ones who pay the price.” (War Is a Racket – Wikipedia)
Conclusion
The socio-economic disparities in warfare reveal a troubling reality: conflicts are often initiated by those in power for their own interests, while the less privileged bear the brunt of the consequences. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for fostering a more equitable society.
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