Dealers in Death Are Having A Great Time!

Another Banner Year for the Arms Merchant to the World 

By James Terminiello 

 

In his blistering comedy Major Barbara, playwright George Bernard Shaw gives us the amoral ubercapitalist Andrew Undershaft. A self-made and blindingly wealthy arms merchant to the world, Undershaft takes an almost religious joy in supplying any and all sides in a war so he can pile profit on top of profit. Like all great literary villains, Undershaft gets all the best lines and you kind of like his cheerful egotism even though he is an unrepentant dealer in death.  

 

Well, what would this Mephistopheles of Mayhem make of the United States? In 2022 under a Democrat Administration, we exported a robust $51.9 billion in arms - a healthy jump of 49% from 2021 (1). These are State Department figures so they might be a bit slanted on the low side. Old Undershaft, with a bit of competitor’s jealously, might give out with a hardy “well played sir!” or something of that nature.  

 

And with the Russo-Ukraine War dragging on and the craters blossoming lustfully on the Gaza Strip, 2023 looks to be another profitable year. There can even be high hopes for 2024 if China really wants to secure some more real estate in Taiwan to spread its version of freedom on that uninviting island.  

 

With our 800 or so military bases planted strategically all around the world, those in need of arms have only to stop by one of our local dealerships, take a number, and we'll be right with you. (2)  

 

I write this not in criticism. It is a perilous world filled with more than its share of deadly actors. But it would be wise to consider that with so much ordinance around the world stamped with the words Made in the USA it should not come as a surprise when we find that we are hated as warmongers in so many quarters.  

 

In takes a little shine off the policy Peace Through Strength, which started with Hadrian – emperor of not one of your more peace loving of empires.  

 

James Terminiello, author of the political satire Junkyard, writes from Mount Laurel, New Jersey. 

 

(1)https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/01/25/us-arms-export-approvals-soared-in-2022/ 

 

(2)https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/11/24/commentary-we-remain-worlds-policeman-precincts-everywhere/894010001/ 

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