militarism
C1Formal, academic, political, historical.
Definition
Meaning
The belief or desire of a government or people that a state should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.
An ideology or system that prioritizes military power, the armed forces, and martial values in state policy, society, and culture. It can also refer to the excessive influence of military thinking or the military establishment on civilian life.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in a critical or analytical sense to describe a policy, ideology, or historical period. Its connotations are typically negative, implying aggression, expansionism, or the subordination of civil society.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in spelling, definition, or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Identical negative/political-historical connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Comparably low frequency in both, used in similar formal and academic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the militarism of [COUNTRY/ERA]a return to militarism[COUNTRY]'s militarismcriticise/condemn/oppose militarismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The drums of militarism (are beating).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in geopolitical risk analysis: 'Investors are wary of the region's rising militarism.'
Academic
Common in history, political science, and international relations: 'The paper examines the socioeconomic roots of Prussian militarism.'
Everyday
Very rare. Used in political commentary: 'Many fear the government's rhetoric signals a slide into militarism.'
Technical
Used in political theory and security studies as a defined concept.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Militarise (verb form). The regime sought to militarise the youth through compulsory service.
American English
- Militarize (verb form). Critics argue the policy will militarize our foreign relations.
adverb
British English
- Militaristically. The society was organised militaristically, with hierarchy and obedience prized above all.
American English
- Militaristically. The state acted militaristically in suppressing the protest.
adjective
British English
- Militaristic. His speeches took on a distinctly militaristic tone.
American English
- Militaristic. The film was criticized for its militaristic glorification of war.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The country's militarism led to many wars.
- He spoke against militarism and for peace.
- Historians often cite the rise of militarism in the 1930s as a cause of the Second World War.
- The new leader promised to end decades of militarism and focus on economic development.
- The pervasive culture of militarism during that era glorified service and framed national identity in martial terms.
- Analysts warn that the nation's economic woes could fuel a resurgence of populist militarism as a diversionary tactic.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MILITARY + ISM. An 'ism' (ideology) centred on the military.
Conceptual Metaphor
MILITARISM IS A DISEASE / PATH (e.g., 'a contagion of militarism', 'a nation slides down the path of militarism').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct equivalent to 'военщина' (which is more 'military clique'). 'Militarism' is the policy/ideology, not the people.
- Do not confuse with 'милитаризм' (a direct loanword with identical meaning, but ensure context is critical/analytical).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for a strong military (it's the ideology/policy, not the institution).
- Misspelling as 'militarizm'.
- Using it in a positive context (highly unusual).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'militarism' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, yes. It is a term of criticism and analysis, not praise. A neutral description might be 'strong defence policy'.
Nationalism is a broader ideology emphasising national identity and interests. Militarism is a specific subset that believes military strength and aggression are the primary means to achieve national goals.
Yes. Militarism refers to the ideology and preparation, not just active warfare. A society can be highly militaristic even during periods of formal peace.
To 'militarize' (US) / 'militarise' (UK), meaning to equip or organise for war, or to give a military character to something.
Collections
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Political Theory
C2 · 44 words · Advanced vocabulary for political science and theory.