In 1997, the @nytimes (it was clearly a very different paper then) exposed how NATO expansion was a windfall for arms manufacturers, who had seen contracts dry up in the post-Cold War peace. 

With billions at stake, weapons giants like Lockheed Martin lobbied hard for NATO’s growth, funding nonprofits and wining and dining senators to push the agenda. 

Expansion wasn't just about security or strategy—it was about selling fighter jets, helicopters, and military tech to new member states. 

The biggest winners were defense contractors cashing in on a manufactured need for 'Western integration.' 

Post-Cold War peace? Bad for business. NATO expansion? Perfect for profits.