armamentista

An armamentista is a person who advocates for the expansion, modernization, or maintenance of armaments and military forces. The term derives from armamento (armament) and the suffix -ista, which denotes a practitioner or advocate. It is used in Portuguese and Spanish to describe individuals, groups, or policymakers who favor increased arms spending, new weapon systems, or a more militarized approach to security.

In usage, armamentista can be neutral or pejorative depending on context. It often refers to supporters of defense-oriented policies, deterrence, and the defense-industrial complex, but may be employed by critics to label those who favor aggressive arms races or substantial public spending on the military. The term appears in debates on national security, defense budgets, and arms control, where it contrasts with positions favoring desarmamento (disarmament) or pacifism.

Variations and related concepts include armamentismo, the ideology or policy stance advocating greater military armaments, and militarism, a broader tendency to prioritize military power in national policy. While commonly used in Latin American and Iberian discourse, the concept also appears in other Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking contexts.

Impact and reception of armamentista positions depend on broader political, economic, and strategic conditions, including threat perceptions, alliance commitments, and the global arms market. The label can indicate a specific policy stance or reflect broader debates about security, diplomacy, and international stability.