Can a Billionaire Afford to Buy a Country and Its Military?
Questions surrounding the purchase of entire countries and the acquisition of military forces have piqued the interest of many. The most popular example often cited is Jeff Bezos, the richest person, and the idea of buying an army. However, there are misconceptions about both wealth and military procurement that need clarification.
Jeff Bezos' Net Worth and How It Can Be Accessible
Jeff Bezos, while being one of the wealthiest individuals, is not the face of the world's largest fortunes. His net worth, currently standing at about $197 billion, is primarily tied to Amazon, a business whose value can be readily calculated. This standing dwarfs many other rich individuals, such as the Rothschild family, whose wealth is so diversified and vast that they likely do not even know the true total. Jeff Bezos' wealth is mostly tied to Amazon shares, which are not immediately liquid. If he were to liquidate them, the value of Amazon would plummet, possibly leading to significant financial loss for the business. Thus, much of Bezos' wealth remains locked up in his Amazon holdings.
The Limits of Purchasing Military Hardware
Even if Bezos had all his wealth in a cash account, ordinary individuals would still face significant barriers when buying military equipment. The United States government closely controls the sale of military hardware, and any private citizen, even a billionaire, would struggle to procure advanced weaponry like fighter jets or sophisticated artillery. For example, while Bezos could likely afford to buy some surplus armored vehicles, the key components like radios and sophisticated systems would be unavailable. Furthermore, the approval of foreign sales is strictly regulated, meaning unfriendly nations or entities would be denied access to US military hardware.
Modern Warfare: Communication and Logistics Over Guns
The primary focus of modern warfare is no longer about having the most guns and soldiers, but rather about effective communication and logistics. The US armed forces are renowned for their ability to deploy infantry, helicopters, and tanks globally within days. This unique combination of capacity is unmatched by other nations. Private military contractors, though growing in number, lack the sophisticated support systems of the US military. They may have AR-15s and Jeeps, but they are missing critical resources like artillery support, air cover, and heavy lift capability. Considering these elements, even a wealthy individual like Bezos could only afford a small, poorly equipped army with limited capabilities.
Financial Constraints and Realistic Military Capabilities
Given Bezos' estimated annual wealth of $10 billion over a 20-year period, one could approximately fund a military force comparable to that of Poland, Norway, or Sweden. Poland, for instance, has a respectable military, including around 61,000 soldiers, 83 naval vessels, and combat aircraft. However, the cost of maintaining a modern military is not just about initial purchasing but ongoing maintenance and operations. For example, a single artillery shell can cost upward of $300, while a Javelin missile launcher and its missiles can cost over $80,000 each. Even the seemingly "low-cost" F-16 fighter jet has a per flight hour cost of $12,000 to $25,000. Over the 20 years, Bezos' wealth would likely diminish significantly due to these operational costs.
Summing up, a billionaire could realistically fund a military force akin to that of countries like Poland, Norway, or Sweden for around 20 years, assuming a 'War on Terror'-sized conflict. However, it is vital to remember the dynamic nature of military expenditures and the potential for financial strain.