Self-contained bases now leak few dollars into local economies

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: Bases occupying land represent an economic loss rather than gain; Military bases provide weaker economic benefits than commonly assumed — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 915

Related

• Military bases provide weaker economic benefits than commonly assumed (similarity 0.96)
• Bases bring fewer economic benefits than expected and can inhibit local growth. (similarity 0.93)
• Base closures have no significant or lasting regional economic impact (similarity 0.93)
• Base economies offer locals mostly low-wage jobs while higher-skilled positions go to Americans (similarity 0.90)
• Repurposed bases in Okinawa produce far more economic value than the bases did (similarity 0.89)
• Military occupation of land is a net economic loss for Okinawa (similarity 0.89)
• Self-contained military bases leak little of their spending into local economies. (similarity 0.85)
• Bases occupy valuable urban and beachfront land worldwide (similarity 0.85)
• Base land seizures destroyed Okinawa’s farming economy and livelihood. (similarity 0.83)
• Self-contained base amenities keep troop spending from reaching host economies. (similarity 0.82)
• Guantánamo Bay’s economic impact on Cuba is almost entirely negative (similarity 0.82)
• US base-building destroyed Okinawa’s farmland economy and left its people in poverty. (similarity 0.82)
• Base closures rarely cause the catastrophic economic damage communities fear (similarity 0.82)
• Base closures show no measurable harm to surrounding community economies (similarity 0.82)
• Commercial redevelopment of former base land vastly outperforms the base economically (similarity 0.81)

Broader Connections

• Military bases provide weaker economic benefits than commonly assumed #corroborates (0.70) — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 915
• Bases occupying land represent an economic loss rather than gain #corroborates (0.60)