Military-industrial complexA term for the U.S. arms industry and
associated commercial interests, which grew rapidly in scale and
influence in the wake of World War II. Widely adopted by
Vietnam-era anti-war activists, the term was first coined by
General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Ike), 34th President of the United
States, in his prophetic "Farewell Address" given on January 17,
1961. "This conjunction of an immense military establishment and
a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The
total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is
felt in every city, every State house, every office of the
Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this
development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave
implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all
involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the
councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of
unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the
military-industrial complex. The potential