Why does America maintain such a large defense budget, and what should that spending accomplish? I begin with the 1948 Key West Agreement and the struggle among the military services to define their roles. The Korean War then brings General Matthew Ridgway into the story, along with his disagreement with President Eisenhower over ground forces, nuclear deterrence, and the cost of preparedness.
From that history, this March 2025 essay asks how defense commitments, alliances, and public debt fit together. I consider the case for reducing peacetime spending and the case for maintaining a strong global role. Each requires choices. Can we reasonably weaken long-standing partnerships while continuing to increase the financial burden on future generations? What national purpose should guide the budget?
Read the essay and sources: https://joelkdouglas.com/2025/03/18/why-do-we-spend-so-much-on-defense/
