Base economies offer locals mostly low-wage jobs while higher-skilled positions go to Americans

Evidence

However, research about the economic effects of bases in Germany, the United States, and elsewhere consistently shows that the economic benefits of bases are less significant than one might expect. The benefits are enjoyed disproportionately by relatively few individuals and industries, and people tend to ignore a variety of costs associated with bases that significantly decrease their net economic impact. Moreover, bases are an inefficient form of economic investment; often, they actually inhibit more productive and profitable forms of economic activity. Okinawa, for example, remains Japan’s poorest prefecture. The causes of that poverty are complex, but the period of formal U.S. occupation of Okinawa that lasted until 1972 clearly inhibited economic growth. In recent years, as the base presence has declined, Okinawa’s economy has expanded and diversified around tourism, IT, call centers, and logistics. — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 915 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Third-country nationals form a segregated low-paid workforce sustaining overseas bases; Military bases provide weaker economic benefits than commonly assumed — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 915; Immigrant labor fills unskilled work while natives hold direction and skilled trades

Related

• Self-contained bases now leak few dollars into local economies (similarity 0.90)
• Bases bring fewer economic benefits than expected and can inhibit local growth. (similarity 0.89)
• Military bases provide weaker economic benefits than commonly assumed (similarity 0.89)
• Bases provide hosts mostly low-wage local jobs while higher-skilled work goes to Americans. (similarity 0.88)
• Base closures have no significant or lasting regional economic impact (similarity 0.86)
• Military occupation of land is a net economic loss for Okinawa (similarity 0.83)
• US base-building destroyed Okinawa’s farmland economy and left its people in poverty. (similarity 0.82)
• Repurposed bases in Okinawa produce far more economic value than the bases did (similarity 0.81)
• US bases on Puerto Rico and Okinawa form colonial relationships that impoverish both islands. (similarity 0.80)
• U.S. military bases abroad have dramatically lower income inequality than the civilian economy (similarity 0.80)
• US bases run on a segregated underclass of third-country nationals (similarity 0.80)
• Billions in Japanese aid has not lifted Okinawa’s economy above last place (similarity 0.79)
• Base-generated contract dollars largely return to American and offshore corporations, not hosts. (similarity 0.79)
• U.S. base occupation in Okinawa and Puerto Rico follows a shared colonial pattern (similarity 0.79)
• Base land seizures destroyed Okinawa’s farming economy and livelihood. (similarity 0.79)

Broader Connections

• Military bases provide weaker economic benefits than commonly assumed #corroborates (0.75) — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 915