Armed forces Quote by Joseph Stiglitz
“This Iraq war has been the most "privatized" war in America's history. It has seen the most extensive use of contractors. The contractors have increased the costs; but they have been necessary - the military simply could not have done it on their own. we would have had to increase the size of the military. But the George W. Bush Administration wanted America to believe that it could have a war, essentially for free, without raising taxes, without increasing the size of the armed forces.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Iraq War, 2005
The Iraq conflict relied heavily on private contractors, raising costs but avoiding a larger standing army, reflecting political motives to minimize tax and troop increases.
In simple terms: War used many private firms, raising costs but keeping army small.
Key Takeaway
Consider the true cost of privatized war.
Themes
military policy
economics
politics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
policy
economic
political
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- defense contracting
- public debate
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
privatization
cost externalities
government accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How does privatization affect democratic oversight?
- What are the hidden costs to taxpayers?
A Different Perspective
Privatization can obscure accountability and long‑term expenses.
![“World War II was really unusual, because America was in the Great Depression before. So the war did help the US economy to get securely out of this decline. This time, the war [in Iraq] is bad for the economy in both the short and long run. We could have spent trillions in research or education…” quote by Joseph Stiglitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/860/joseph-stiglitz-1351_america_world-war-ii-was-really-unusual-because_156000.jpg)
