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Kluman criticized Musk’s decision to limit Ukraine’s Starlink to potential intervention in the war, arguing that national security and diplomacy cannot be decided by private business owners, and that the United States should temporarily take back control of Starlink if necessary.
depends on ukrainespacex Military-grade Starlink service is subject to speed restrictions. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the founder of SpaceXmusk While giving this order, US Secretary of State Rubio denied that the Trump administration had any prior knowledge of this. Well-known economists in this regardkrugman Calls for the United States to nationalize Starlink.
Kluman, winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics, wrote an article on the 22nd that since there is a credible official statement that Musk himself ordered the speed limit, we should seriously consider the potential impact of this move.
Kluman said that national security policy should not be left to a private individual, even if that individual has the ability to do so. The decision to slow down Starlink is tantamount to the United States intervening in a foreign war. The Russia-Ukraine war is entering a critical moment. The move would help Russia, a long-term rival of the United States, but would hurt Ukraine.
He said Russian President Vladimir Putin is deliberately increasing his threat in Europe through subversion, threats and support for far-right parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Musk’s restraint on the Ukrainian military at this time will also help strengthen the momentum of the Russian military. Polls show that very few Americans agree with supporting a brutal authoritarian ruler (Putin) who invades a democratic country (Ukraine).
In particular, Ukraine has recently gained the upper hand on the battlefield, forcing Putin to attack Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially electricity. If Musk does not quickly restore unrestricted Starlink services in Ukraine, thousands of innocent Ukrainians could die.
Furthermore, Putin may become more dishonest as a result, more threaten and attack U.S. NATO allies, and support pro-Nazi political parties in Europe, such as the AfD, which Musk has publicly supported.
Some people may ask: Since Musk is the owner of Starlink, doesn’t he have the right to decide what to do with his career?
Kluman stated that for the American market economy to operate properly, private property rights must be respected. However, the United States is also a democratic country, and private property rights in a democratic country do not include the right to take actions that harm the national interest; Whether this is in line with the national interest or not should be decided by the representatives elected by the public, not the business owners. We cannot judge the reality of the country in the name of capitalism.
Kluman gave a hypothetical example. The F16 fighter planes flown by the Taiwan Air Force are manufactured by American company Lockheed Martin. Imagine if for some reason (for example, as part of a commercial agreement between Washington and Beijing), Lockheed Martin suddenly downgraded the F-16 fighters it sold to the Taiwan military by cutting off the supply of spare parts, ammunition, computer networks, upgrades, etc. Would anyone still think this behavior is acceptable and a legitimate exercise of property rights? no way. Lockheed Martin will essentially be asked to change its ways immediately. If the company refuses, the US federal government will intervene and temporarily take over the company.
The government’s intention in doing so is not an attempt to control the economy in the long run. The principle is very clear: no private individual has the right to commit acts that undermine national security. If temporary nationalization can prevent them from engaging in behavior that threatens national security, then it should be done.
So, take a look at Musk’s behavior. When it comes to modern warfare, communications and real-time information are no less important than rockets and artillery shells. Like Lockheed Martin’s fighter planes, Starlink is also a matter of national security. Deciding which countries have the right to fully use Starlink services is a diplomatic and national security matter, just like deciding which countries are allowed to buy and use American high-tech weapons.
Klumann emphasized that such decisions cannot and should not be left to private individuals. Even if they are patriots, even if they support democracy and American values.
Kluman believes that Musk should not be allowed to be involved in such decisions. Musk could face multiple investigations if Democrats win next month’s midterm elections. Faced with this approach, Musk responded with threats. Musk posted on the
