Author Archive
Maj. Benjamin Backsmeier
Maj. Benjamin Backsmeier is an infantry officer assigned to the INDOPACOM Army Reserve Element. His research focuses on how illicit financial networks interact with national-security interests. He deployed on combat tours in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. He holds a BS from West Point, a master of international security studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Ideas
'Shadow economies' are growing. Military planners and operators must take them into account
Black markets prolong wars, defang sanctions, fray alliances, and help rogue governments and groups survive and thrive.
- Maj. Benjamin Backsmeier