In the complicated world of international conflict, the acts of firms like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon can have far-reaching implications, especially in volatile locations like the Middle East. When countries like Iran and Israel engage in combat, the operations of these aerospace and big and powerful defense systems come into clear focus, changing the dynamics of conflict and affecting states and people all over the world.
Corporate Titans: Lockheed Martin and Raytheon
Raytheon designs, develops and delivers cutting-edge capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, and other areas. The Raytheon business delivers defensive and offensive threat detection, tracking, and mitigation capabilities to the US and overseas government and commercial customers.
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace firm. The company specializes in the research, design, development, manufacturing, integration, and maintenance of sophisticated technology systems, products, and services.
Their influence extends beyond governments to international alliances and geopolitical agendas, positioning them as significant players in global conflicts.
The Middle East: Iran, Israel, and the broader implications
The turbulent region of the Middle East acts as a crucible for global tensions, with Iran and Israel at the core of numerous disagreements. Ideological differences, territorial conflicts, and geopolitical goals have long fostered tensions between these two countries, resulting in intermittent periods of fighting and proxy wars. When these tensions turn into full-fledged conflicts, the ramifications extend far beyond the region, affecting global stability, energy markets, and security alliances.
The presence of firms such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in selling military weapons to numerous entities in the region complicates the situation, potentially prolonging hostilities and aggravating humanitarian misery.
For example, during the recent Israel-Iran conflict, Lockheed Martin rose early Monday after receiving an upgrade from JPMorgan. Meanwhile, military stocks increased moderately after US, British, and Israeli defenses defeated Iran’s assault of missiles and drones launched against Israel on Saturday. JPMorgan upgraded Lockheed Martin (LMT) to overweight from neutral on Monday and raised its price target to $518 from $475, according to a research note obtained by The Fly.
The defense industry received its fiscal 2024 budget this month, and JPMorgan is expected to contribute some additional funds for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. According to the research paper, any shift in market momentum would most likely leave defense companies well-positioned relative to other stocks.
Corporate Influence in Conflict Dynamics
The importance of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in determining conflict dynamics cannot be underestimated. By providing modern weaponry, monitoring technologies, and logistical support to belligerent parties, these firms help to intensify and prolong hostilities.
The business motivation inherent in arms sales encourages the continuation of violence, as rising conflict leads to a greater demand for military equipment and services. Furthermore, the intimate relationships between defense contractors and government agencies result in a feedback loop in which military interventions and arms sales encourage one another, perpetuating cycles of bloodshed and instability.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has helped US-based defense contractors, whose stock prices have risen since the crisis began. Consider Lockheed Martin, which was valued at $98 billion in 2022 and hit its peak at the end of the year, at $127 billion, with a current market capitalization of $112.2 billion. Prolonging the battle has increased revenue for the arms industry. In terms of billions of dollars, prolonging Israel’s war on Gaza and averting a ceasefire will boost earnings for the military-industrial complex, which loves the fruits of war—the indiscriminate slaughter of actual people.
Global Implications: Beyond the Middle East
While the focus is generally on the Middle East, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon’s influence goes far beyond the region. Arms sales from these firms can affect the balance of power in countries such as Eastern Europe, South Asia, and Asia-Pacific, contributing to regional tensions.
For example, in Eastern Europe, the sale of missile defense systems and military aircraft to NATO-aligned countries may elicit strong reactions from neighboring Russia, raising tensions and stoking arms races. Similarly, in South Asia, arms sales to India and Pakistan exacerbate regional instability and the possibility of nuclear conflict.
Implications for citizens
Conflict and business participation have far-reaching consequences for regular people all around the world. Beyond the direct human suffering caused by war, there are far-reaching economic effects, as resources are siphoned from critical social services to feed the war engine.
Furthermore, the continuation of violence erodes possibilities for peace and prosperity, impeding progress on global issues such as poverty alleviation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. As a result, ordinary citizens must raise awareness about the role that businesses such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon play in perpetuating violence and instability, as well as push for policies that prioritize diplomacy, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding over militarization.
Charting a Path Forward: Promoting Peace and Accountability
When navigating the complexity of modern conflict, it’s critical to acknowledge and address the role of corporations such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Ordinary persons can put pressure on governments and corporations to favor diplomacy and conflict resolution over militarism by raising awareness of their influence and lobbying for peace.
This could include supporting programs like weapons control treaties, peacekeeping efforts, and corporate responsibility measures, as well as seeking increased transparency and monitoring of defense spending and arms exports. Finally, by working together to promote peace and hold governments and businesses accountable for their actions, we can create a more just and peaceful world for all.
Conclusion
As we face the numerous difficulties provided by global war, we must address the role of businesses such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in promoting violence and instability. We can work together to promote peace and hold governments and companies accountable for their actions, creating a more just and peaceful world for all.