“War is the continuation of politics by other means. The military is an
instrument of the state, and war is a manifestation of the
contradictions inherent in the capitalist system”-Clausewitz (On War)
The Israel-Palestine conflict, a long-standing and deeply rooted geopolitical issue, has been marred by violence and suffering. Amid the complex web of historical, cultural, and political factors contributing to this conflict, the role of capitalism cannot be overlooked. This article explores how capitalism has played a significant role in promoting war, profiting from conflict, and perpetuating the cycle of violence in the Israel-Palestine region.
Capitalism and the Military-Industry:
One of the key ways capitalism intersects with warfare is through the military-industry. The profit motive inherent in capitalism provides an incentive for industries to produce and sell weapons. In the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, this dynamic is evident in the arms trade between various nations and the region. Powerful nations, driven by economic interests, often supply weapons to parties involved, further fuelling the intensity of the conflict. For example, 92% of the weapons for war in Israel come from America. From 1948 to 2023, America has provided Israel with $124 billion for both military and economic assistance. Since 2004, Washington has been granting Israel $3 billion annually, making Israel the largest recipient of US security aid. Without American support, Israel cannot sustain itself, and companies such as RTX and Boeing play significant roles in providing weapons to Israel.
Profits from Conflict:
War is, unfortunately, a lucrative business. The demand for weapons in conflict zones, such as the Israel-Palestine region, creates a market for arms manufacturers. Capitalist economies benefit from the production and sale of weapons, leading to significant profits for defense contractors. This profit-driven motive can inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of conflicts, as economic interests align with the continuation of hostilities rather than the pursuit of peace.
War Instruments and Capitalist Innovation:
The capitalist system’s drive for innovation is both a blessing and a curse in the context of warfare. While technological advancements can contribute to societal progress, they also find application in the creation of more lethal and sophisticated war instruments. In the Israel- Palestine conflict, the development of advanced military technology has escalated the scale and impact of hostilities, showcasing how capitalism’s pursuit of progress can have dire consequences in conflict zones.
The influence of capitalism on the Israel-Palestine war cannot be ignored. By critically examining the role of capitalism in promoting war, profiting from conflict, and contributing to the development of war instruments, we can begin to explore avenues for change. Implementing solutions that prioritize diplomacy, regulation, economic diversification, and social responsibility is essential in breaking the cycle of violence and fostering a more peaceful future for the people of the Israel-Palestine region. And most importantly, as wars burden ordinary citizens, disrupting lives and damaging the economy funded by their taxes. Post-war, economic collapse leads to increased living costs. United public demand against war can bring about change.
