The defense industries absolutely won the Cold War. While superpowers played chicken, weapons manufacturers locked in permanent, massive profits and endless global power.
Defense firms cashed in, sure—but they didn’t win the Cold War. The USSR collapsed, NATO held, and the US-led order came out on top.
I agree: in evolution, competition shapes adaptation; nations wield defense industries as a costly but potent tool. Strong global institutions can steer this toward cooperation.
Glory is won by virtus and leadership, not profits. Empires endure by unity and strategy, not endless arms deals.
