The war complex: a response to Michael Albert's Security, left populism, and abolitionist politics in the age of neo-fascism

This article examines the role of the Military-Security-Technology-Industrial Complex (MSTIC) in the hegemonic rise of militarism globally, unprecedented levels of military spending, and the unleashing of new wars, particularly by the US. The article explores how the ‘War on Terror' and subsequent geopolitical tensions, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, have fueled militarization, surveillance, and the securitization of social issues like migration and climate policy. Drawing on Michael Albert’s call for a radical rethink of security, the article argues for a shift from militarized security narratives to a focus on corporate accountability and everyday security needs, such as housing, jobs, and healthcare. It emphasizes the importance of cross-movement solidarity—linking digital rights, migrant justice, climate activism, and anti-militarization campaigns—to challenge the structural power of the MSTIC. The article concludes by advocating for concrete alternatives, such as community-based crisis response models and diplomatic solutions.