Sociology

Sociologists describe coherent power-elite as a relatively small though closely knit group of politicians, military and economic men who are perceived as the center of political power and wealth and often tend to dominate and control major institutions in the United States (Mills, 1956). Their opinion and actions greatly influence decisions of American policy makers. Although their interests are congruent they benefit to a large extent the populous in terms of employment and governance.

However, they can establish machinery that covers their operations and decisions because their interests do not lie in their own submission to popular consent. They concentrate on securing and strengthening their hold on power, wealth and influence and hence seek by all means the submission of the citizens through manufacturing consent on policies that only benefit them and when they seem to be failing, they resort to coercive means. This has led to the decline of the power of politics making the formal political mechanics in America weak.

Military-industrial complex is the physical relationship between military, governments and industrial support obtained from commercial sectors in the production of military technology and weapons. It tries to marshal political support for increased and continued military spending in training, facilities, equipment and weapons by the national government (Mills, 1956). Military-industrial complex has entrenched and expanded America into a powerful federal state through the pursuant of social and national security. However, it has resulted in rent seeking, moral hazard and political corruption. The growth of this relationship evidently has increased the militarization of American society by perpetuating excessive military spending and hindering arms reduction efforts hence endangering the principles of democracy by altering the domestic order.