U.S. Power Penetration through the Military Bases in Guam

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide an interpretation of the power penetration delivered through

the United States overseas military bases. This study specifically concentrates on the military bases in

Guam.

The penetration of U.S. power into the Guam economy delivers three results. First of all, military

bases boost the islands economy. Secondly, the bases bring economic structural change to Guam.

Such change is shown through the average hourly wages among industries. Lastly, as the military

bases increase in size, the functions of foreign companies enlarge as well. The increase of foreign

companies can be traced back to the enlargement of military contracts awarded by the Department of

Defense. Along with the economic influence, the military base in Guam is interpreted to influence the

islands identity indication.

In this study, U.S. military bases in Guam have been explained as a method of United States power

implementation into the economic sphere and the islands identity. In sum, the military bases affect the

economic growth, economic structure, and the generation gap towards identity indication.