militarizm

Militarizm, often translated as militarism in English, is a political and social doctrine that emphasizes the primacy of the armed forces in national life. It encompasses a belief that national security and policy should be organized around armed forces, a readiness to use military means to resolve disputes, and the prestige attached to military power. It often involves the expansion of the armed forces, conscription, and a strong military bureaucracy, as well as the deference of civilian institutions to military leadership. Economically, it can entail prioritizing defense spending, industrial mobilization, and technological development in weapons and logistics. Culturally, it can permeate education, media, and national identity with martial values and a warrior ethos.

Historically, militarism has manifested in various forms. In 19th-century Europe, Prussia and later German states developed large, disciplined armies and extensive mobilization planning that influenced policy. In the Meiji era, Japan fused modernization with military institutions to defend imperial expansion. During the early 20th century, escalating arms races and alliance systems reflected militarist tendencies, contributing to the outbreak of war. After World War II, many states reduced direct military influence, though militaristic elements persisted in some regimes and in national security cultures.

Critics argue that militarism can undermine democracy by marginalizing civilian control, divert resources from social needs, and increase the likelihood of conflict. Proponents contend that it provides deterrence, national cohesion, and rapid mobilization in emergencies. In contemporary discourse, militarism is assessed in terms of defense policy, civilian oversight, and the balance between security and civil liberties.