Army Quote by David Graeber
“You would think that if neoliberals were in any way honest, after the collapse of the Soviet Union the first thing to do is get rid of the Red Army and the KGB, and build up the economy. Instead, they just get rid of the economy and keep the military and the KGB.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Debt: The First 5000 Years, David Graeber, 2011
Neoliberal policies often prioritize military and security institutions over genuine economic development, contradicting stated ideals.
In simple terms: Neoliberals favor military over economy.
Key Takeaway
Question economic reforms, not just security.
Themes
politics
economics
power
illusion
policy
Mood
skeptical
critical
analytical
Type
analysis
commentary
political.
When to use this quote
- post‑Soviet transition
- development aid
- budget planning
- security sector reform
Key Concepts
neoliberalism
statecraft
economic restructuring
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies enforce economic priorities over entrenched security interests?
- What mechanisms prevent the military from dominating policy?
A Different Perspective
Neoliberal rhetoric may mask ulterior interests, limiting true reform.
![“[2015] it's a time that there's a clash of ideologies, similar to the Cold War. I think that a story like this has been waiting to be told, and I think it's a fresh look at the whole earth-shattering business of the collapse of the Soviet Union.” quote by Steven Knight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/36a/steven-knight-2205_business_2015-it-s-a-time-that-there-s-a-clash-of_2542880.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
