Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, and former CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt, have joined forces to co-author an article that aims to promote increased military spending by instilling fear in the public. Both Milley and Schmidt are financially secure individuals, but the opportunity to make some extra cash or gain other benefits is always appealing.
After retiring from their respective high-profile positions, Milley joined Georgetown University and Princeton University as a distinguished fellow and visiting professor, respectively. He also became a senior adviser to JPMorgan Chase and a speaker at the Harry Walker Agency. Schmidt, on the other hand, has been involved in numerous projects since leaving Google.
Their article, titled “America Isn’t Ready for the Wars of the Future” with the subtitle “And They’re Already Here,” was published by Foreign Affairs on August 5. The article effectively conveys the message that America urgently needs to spend more money on military capabilities without explicitly stating it. The underlying message is clear – the military-industrial complex stands to benefit greatly from increased military spending.
This collaboration between Milley and Schmidt highlights the influence and power that individuals with their credentials can wield in shaping public opinion and policy decisions. However, the article also raises questions about the motives behind their partnership and the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from such collaborations.
Ultimately, it is the public that foots the bill for increased military spending, and articles like the one co-authored by Milley and Schmidt serve as a reminder of the complex web of relationships and incentives that drive decision-making in the defense industry.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Mark Milley and Eric Schmidt serves as a stark reminder of the influence that individuals with their background and expertise can have on shaping public discourse and policy decisions. The article they co-authored may have served the interests of the military-industrial complex, but it also raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential conflicts of interest that can arise in such collaborations.
