FOREWORD

The term MICIMATT, coined by former CIA officer Ray McGovern, stands for Military-Industrial-Congressional-Intelligence-Media-Academia-Think-Tank complex. This concept extends President Dwight D. Eisenhower's warning about the Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) in his 1961 farewell address, highlighting the expanding and evolving influence of these interconnected sectors over U.S. government policy and decision-making. MICIMATT encapsulates the comprehensive network of interests that drive and sustain U.S. militarism and interventionist policies through various forms of influence, from political lobbying to media manipulation and academic endorsements.

Purpose of the Paper

This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the MICIMATT concept, exploring its origins, components, and the synergistic relationships between its various elements. By examining the historical evolution from Eisenhower's MIC to McGovern's MICIMATT, the paper seeks to illuminate how these sectors collectively shape and reinforce U.S. foreign and domestic policies. The study will dissect the roles played by the military, industry, Congress, intelligence agencies, media, academia, and think tanks, demonstrating how their collaboration perpetuates a cycle of conflict and interventionism.