On January 11, 2011, Gordon Adams , David Berteau, Danielle Brian, and William Hartung discussed President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1961 farewell address and its lasting impact half a century later, focusing on Hartungs new book Prophets of War: Lockheed Martin and the Making of the Military-Industrial Complex.

The discussion raised issues about efficiency and waste, interactions between industry and top military brass, as well as the utility of advanced war-fighting systems in a time when the United States enjoys an unrivaled technological edge. Panelists acknowledged the differences between today and the time Eisenhower issued his warning against the military-industrial complex. Beyond this, the panelists drew historical parallels between previous defense budget cuts and what may be required today, following two exhaustive and costly campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Congress factored into the discussion also as a party that enables expansive spending that may be unwarranted.

Eisenhower’s warning framed the discussion and gave it direction. The panelists provided context, anecdotes, and conclusions drawn from their own individual experiences and research. Like Eisenhower, their arguments were cautionary and expressed serious concern about the status quo.