Corrupting War

Corruption is a double-edged sword during wartime. Pre-existing corruption within a society can lead to an inflated sense of military strength and cause leaders to overestimate their abilities. Once an offensive war starts it can open up many more possibilities for decision makers to line their own pockets. Defensive Wars are less likely to fall into this trap due to the counteracting influence of patriotism and the social stigma attached to betrayal.

Resource Misallocation:

Corruption often leads to resources being siphoned off for personal gain. This can include funds intended for the military being embezzled, leading to a lack of resources where they’re needed most. Depending on the level of corruption within a society this can be restricted to the highest levels of decision-makers and the military-industrial complex. This high level of corruption exists in nearly all societies, even if it is cloaked in exorbitant salaries for CEOs and stock dividends for investors, who are often government officials. Driving a wedge between these interests is relatively straightforward from a legislation perspective, but difficult to actually enact. Corruption at this level can lead to weapon systems that aren’t needed to be approved for purchase or second-best bids being accepted because it is in the financial interests of those deciding. If two companies are both offering to make fighter jets and I have stock in one of them, the better one might not get the contract. Worse, decision-makers might dismiss a cheap solution to a problem when an expensive one…