J.K. Galbraith, économiste de la paix

Galbraith, as economist of the peace, denounces excessive militarism. According to him, the military sector is indeed particularly illustrative of the power of the technostructures which are partially autonomous, escaping all democratic control. Galbraith was led to develop a heterodox thought on military issues, which is profoundly original even if it originates in the Keynesian and Marxist theories. Military power, in developing countries, but also in developed countries, is a contradiction to democracy and economic development. Even though mili-tary expenditure may exercise a short term positive influence, in the long run, it represents an economic waste which limits economic development in the poorest zones and favours the emergence of bloody conflicts, and only benefits a few. This is why J.K. Galbraith pleads for disarmament and for a decrease in the mili-tary aid in favour of developing countries. J.K. Galbraith has indefatigably exhor-ted economists to study the real problems of their time, including the question of war and military expenditure.