NATO and EU: Instruments for the Military-Industrial Complex : Kristian Laubjerg

NATO and EU: Instruments for the Military-Industrial Complex

Kristian Laubjerg – OtherNews
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22 November 2025

Summary
The article argues that NATO’s post–Cold War expansion, the EU’s rapid militarization, and the dramatic growth of the arms industry form an interlocking system driven less by security needs and more by profit, lobbying, and political manipulation.

Laubjerg traces how major U.S. and European arms companies merged and expanded aggressively after the USSR collapsed, using lobbyists, think tanks, and political influence to push for NATO enlargement and massive new weapons procurement. The EU, despite legal constraints, has embedded defense spending into industrial policy, creating the European Defense Fund and financing weapons production with minimal debate or oversight.

He details the revolving door between the arms industry and government, the surge in lobbying budgets, and the role of well-funded think tanks in shaping pro-military narratives. The article argues that Western governments increasingly rely on secrecy, disinformation, and “cognitive warfare” to ensure public support for rearmament. Laubjerg warns that NATO’s confrontational approach, combined with the humiliation felt by Russia, helps entrench conflict rather than resolve it. He concludes that politicians, think tanks, and media have allowed themselves to be captured by the Military-Industrial Complex, with dangerous consequences for global peace and democracy.

Quotes
“Which other arguments could weigh heavier than those presented to President Clinton…? A closer look at this question shows that the impact of the Military Industrial Complex accelerated in the 1990s at the end of the Cold War.”

“It can be reasonably postulated that the industry supports NATO’s continued expansion and warmongering, as it is more profitable for the industry than the peaceful coexistence of nations.”

“Lobbying activities have resulted in significant increases in funding programs for the arms industry… notably the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP).”

“There are no doors between the arms industry and policymakers. At best, one can observe a revolving door.”

“NATO’s wars are often portrayed as promoting democracy, freedom, and human rights… This practice of liberal democracy implies that information must be controlled by the authorities.”

“Humiliation is an emotion that very often is held by at least one of the parties in a conflict.”

“It is tragic for the future of humanity that so few journalists dare to go beyond the news as presented by mainstream media.”