Deathnomics: A Distorted Economic Model in the Russia-Ukraine War

Deathonomics: The Economics of Death, Russia's Malformed Economic Model

• Hello. Today, we'll discuss the economic phenomenon of Deathonomics that has emerged in the recent Russia-Ukraine war. This concept goes beyond a simple economic term, illustrating both the dark side of war and its social impact.
• Human history has sometimes been dominated by cruel economic logic. The term 'Deathonomics,' a portmanteau of 'Death' and 'Economics,' starkly reveals the harsh reality of treating human life as a tool for economic gain. This transcends a mere academic concept; it's a lens revealing the most fundamental ethical dilemmas our society faces. This cold perspective, reducing human life to numbers and profit—how can we overcome it?

1. What is Deathonomics?

Deathonomics is a combination of "death" and "economics," a term used to describe the malformed economic structure where the death of soldiers leads to economic growth. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Russia.
Let's take an example.

• Soldier Death Compensation: If a 35-year-old soldier dies, approximately $1.9 million USDis paid to the bereaved family.
• This is reportedly more than the average income an ordinary citizen could earn until the age of 60.

In this way, the state translates the death of soldiers into an "economic value" through compensation, thereby achieving short-term economic benefits.

2. Russia's Economic Situation and the Background of Deathonomics

Due to the war, Russia's economy is being restructured around the military industry and defense budget. Let's examine some of the phenomena that have emerged in this process.

1. Military Industry Activation:

• Consumption has increased due to soldier salaries and compensation payments, and the unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level.
• The Russian government has reportedly paid approximately $33 billion USDin death compensation.

2. Poverty Rate Reduction:

• Deposits have surged by more than 150% in impoverished regions, leading to short-term economic revitalization.
• For example, a construction boom occurred in impoverished regions such as the Republic of Tuva.

3. Price Increases and Inflation:

• However, in the long term, inflationis a problem. As of September 2024, Russian prices have risen by nearly 10%, and basic food staples such as potatoes, commonly consumed by ordinary people, have surged by 73%.

3. Why Soldiers' Lives Become Economic Resources

The renowned Russian economist Vladislav Inozemtsev called this phenomenon "the economics of death."
The reasons are as follows:

• Death compensation exceeds expected income: When a young soldier dies, the compensation paid by the state is higher than the average lifetime income of a civilian.
• Increased dependence on the military industry: Due to the war, the military industry is booming, leading to short-term economic benefits.

However, experts warn that this structure will lead to serious problems in the long term, such as economic distortion and brain drain.

4. Could this be a deliberate Russian strategy?

Russia may also be employing a strategy of deliberately increasing the number of active-duty soldiers, not only for defense purposes but also for economic reasons.

• It is estimated that more than 600,000 soldiers have already died, and 30,000 are recruited monthly to replace them.
• This is because the more soldiers are lost, the more the military industry is activated, and a structure is formed where the economy runs on compensation payments.

5. The Long-Term Impact of Deathonomics on the Russian Economy

Deathonomics is bound to have a serious negative impact on the Russian economy in the long term.

• Decreased productivity: The loss of a young and productive population will lead to a labor shortage.
• Worsening inflation: The influx of money without corresponding production will likely lead to continued price increases.
• Social unrest: Young talents who disagree with the war are emigrating abroad, further darkening the nation's future.

6. Deathonomics and World History - Analysis of Similar Cases

Similar examples can be found throughout history.

• Vietnam War: South Korea also achieved economic growth through its deployment of troops to Vietnam, but it required the sacrifice of many young people.
• Swiss mercenaries: Before modernity, Switzerland maintained its economy by exporting soldiers, but ultimately banned the export of mercenaries to prevent brain drain. These are examples of obtaining economic benefits through the sacrifice or loss of population, and we recognize the subject as being extremely sensitive ethically.
• Colonial exploitation during the imperialist era
  European powers pursued economic gains through forced labor and mass killings in African and Asian colonies. The rubber extraction process in the Congo Free State (Belgian Congo) is a prime example, where millions of indigenous people perished from inhumane exploitation.
• Transatlantic slave trade
  The slave trade from Africa to the Americas generated economic profits along with immense population loss. The cotton industry in the American South, in particular, heavily relied on slave labor, with millions of Africans subjected to inhumane treatment.
  
• Soviet forced labor camps (Gulags)
  The forced labor camp system during the Stalin era utilized political prisoners as labor for economic development. Millions of inmates were subjected to forced labor under extremely harsh conditions in Siberian mines, railroads, and other construction projects.
• Forced labor during Japan's Pacific War
  Japan used Koreans, Chinese, and Southeast Asians in forced labor in occupied territories. Countless people suffered inhumane treatment and extreme labor conditions in mines, military factories, and railroad construction.
  

These examples are not merely economic calculations; they represent tragic historical events that severely violated human dignity and the right to life. Deathonomics demonstrates an extreme and unethical approach that instrumentalizes human life for economic gain. These historical examples teach us that human life and dignity must take precedence over any economic benefits.

* Deathonomics - Economic Calculations Are Not Everything

These historical examples demand not just simple economic calculations, but fundamental ethical reflection on human life and dignity. Deathonomics reveals the cruel logic of reducing humans to numbers and productivity, clearly demonstrating that true progress comes from respecting and protecting human dignity. We must build a better society that prioritizes human life and rights, learning from the tragic lessons of the past.

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