merchants of death
Profiteers from war
Merchants of death is a pejorative for arms manufacturers and dealers—those who profit from war and armed conflict.
The phrase gained currency in the 1930s when congressional investigations targeted American munitions makers accused of pushing the country toward World War I for profit.
It remains in use for anyone seen as profiteering from violence: Defense contractors are the merchants of death, lobbying for endless war.
- blood moneyPayment tied to death
- dirty moneyIllegally obtained wealth
- blood diamondsGems mined to fund warfare
- war profiteeringExploiting conflict for gain
- weaponryMilitary equipment collectively
mortality · human cost · armaments · ammunition · gunrunner · violence · artillery · conflict · arms embargoes · traffickers · arms dealers · Krupp · smugglers · profiteers · warmongers · export controls · military industrial complex · tycoons
merchants of deathphilanthropists
Generous supporters of good causes
benefactors · social entrepreneurs · aid workers · charitable organizations
merchants of deathpeacekeepers
Forces maintaining cease-fires
peacemakers · peace activists · diplomats · mediators · pacifists
merchants of deathhealers
Those who treat ailments
medical suppliers · lifesavers · pharmaceutical companies · healthcare providers · doctors
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