This is the first systematic study of the relationship between government and defense contractors, examining in detail the political impact of the eight most powerful defense contractors. It details ways in which Boeing, General Dynamics, Grumman, McDonnell Douglas, Northrop, Rockwell International, and United Technologies influence government, from their basic contract activity, corporate structure, and research efforts, to their Washington offices, Political Action Committee campaign contributions, hiring of government personnel, and membership on federal advisory committees.Adams concludes with specific recommendations for changes in disclosure requirements that would curb some of the political power corporations can wield. It also suggests specific ways in which the Iron Triangle can be made subject to wider congressional and public scrutiny.

Gordon Adams is an analyst of political and military affairs for the Council on Economic Priorities. He has written widely on defense economics, including The B-1 Bomber: An Analysis of Its Strategic Utility, Cost, Constituency and Economic Impact and (with Sherri Rosenthal) The Invisible Hand: Questionable Corporate Payments Overseas.