When President Eisenhower identified the "military-industrial complex" as a powerful component of political and economic life in the United States, he also warned against feeding it too much power. That balance continues to be a hot debate. Where will readers stand on using military spending to fuel economic growth or limiting that spending to leave room for social programs? Should we be bolstering geopolitical power with military strength or limiting military spending in order to combat wasteful budgets? From drones to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to cyberoperations, this reporting reveals the extent of military spending and the complex political problems associated with controlling it.

Fighting against waste and inefficiency -- The politics of proliferation -- Private industry -- A new era of war and national defense -- Case study: the F-35 joint strike fighter.