I hear the phrase ''People go to war only for money'' a lot but I have very confused ideas as to how does war actually benefit the economy. I figure that the costs to maintain let alone deploy an army are tremendous yet humans have been doing this for millennia: if it was as disadvantageous as I naively think it is, the world would be much more peaceful. Looking at today, the Unites States of America are often accused of being warmongers, seizing every worthwhile opportunity to go to war even though they certainly aren't the only ones but this is another story. By taking them as an example (or other civilizations if you wish), I want to know: how does it benefit them, how do they make money out of war? What's the process, what are the mechanisms, just, HOW. This is some real Metal Gear Solid 4 shit right here I'd only like to remind you that this isn't a ''HURR DURR MURRICA IS EVUL HURR'' thread. Even though I'm not stopping you from talking about other stuff related to the topic at hand if you desire to do so, I simply would like a curiosity of mine be satisfied, that's all. Enlighten me