The
military–industrial complex (MIC), or
military–industrial–congressional complex, comprises the policy and monetary relationships which exist between
legislators, national
armed forces, and the
arms industry that supports them. These relationships include
political contributions, political approval for
military spending, lobbying to support
bureaucracies, and oversight of the industry. It is a type of
iron triangle. The term is most often used in reference to the system behind the
military of the United States, where it gained popularity after its use in the
farewell address of President
Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 17, 1961, though the term is applicable to any country with a similarly developed
infrastructure. In 2011, the United States spent more on its military than the next 13 nations combined.