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Militarism

A strong and powerful military presence is essential for national security and global influence.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Militarism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of military power as a primary means to achieve national objectives or even maintain domestic order. It is characterized by a strong focus on military strength, readiness, and efficiency, often prioritizing military spending and development over other areas such as social welfare or diplomacy. Militarism can also involve the glorification of the military and warfare, and the belief that military values such as discipline and hierarchy should be incorporated into society at large.

    The history of militarism is as old as human civilization itself. In ancient times, militaristic societies such as Sparta in Greece and the Roman Empire placed a high value on military prowess and conquest. In these societies, military service was often seen as a duty and a path to social advancement, and military leaders often held significant political power.

    In more recent history, militarism has been associated with the rise of nationalism and imperialism in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, many nations, particularly in Europe, built up large standing armies and navies as a show of national strength and a means of competing for colonial territories. This arms race contributed to the outbreak of World War I, as the tensions and rivalries between militaristic nations reached a breaking point.

    In the 20th century, militarism was a key feature of fascist regimes such as Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, which used military aggression to expand their territories and suppress dissent at home. During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a form of militarism as they built up their nuclear arsenals and competed for military dominance.

    In the modern world, militarism can take many forms, from nations maintaining large standing armies and investing heavily in military technology, to the use of military force in international relations, to the militarization of domestic police forces. While militarism can provide a sense of security and national pride, it can also lead to conflict, human rights abuses, and economic strain. As such, it remains a controversial and much-debated aspect of political ideology.

Opposing stances

Voters that identify as Militarism are most likely to oppose these stances.

Similar ideologies

These ideologies are most similar to Militarism.

Nationalism

Promoting the interests, culture, and unity of your nation to achieve a strong, prosperous, and self-sufficient society.

Mandatory VaccinationsGovernment SpendingMinimum WageWomen in CombatCandidate Transparency

Patriotism

A strong sense of national pride and loyalty will lead to a more unified and prosperous society.

Government SpendingMandatory VaccinationsWomen in CombatGender Workplace DiversityImmigrant Assimilation

Preemptive Defense

You believe striking first against imminent threats prevents worse violence later, and waiting for an attack is a dangerous luxury.

Candidate TransparencyGovernment SpendingMinimum WageTaxesCorporate Tax

Nationalsim

Promoting the interests, culture, and unity of your country to achieve a strong, prosperous, and self-sufficient nation.

Mandatory VaccinationsDrug PolicyMinimum WageMandatory Military ServiceMuslim Immigrant Ban

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Militarism.

Anarcho-Communism

A society where all property is communally owned, decisions are made collectively, and no government or hierarchical structures exist.

Foreign ElectionsMandatory Military ServiceMuslim Immigrant BanMandatory VaccinationsGovernment Spending

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

Foreign ElectionsMandatory Military ServiceMuslim Immigrant BanDrug PolicyMandatory Vaccinations

Anarchism

A society where individuals can freely cooperate without hierarchical structures or oppressive systems, leading to a more harmonious and equitable world.

Foreign ElectionsMandatory Military ServiceMuslim Immigrant BanDrug PolicyMandatory Vaccinations

No Government

You believe individuals and communities can organize themselves voluntarily without any coercive state authority.

Mandatory Military ServiceForeign ElectionsImmigrant AssimilationDrug PolicyMandatory Vaccinations

System Changer

You believe the fundamental structures of the current political and economic system are the root cause of injustice and must be replaced.

Mandatory Military ServiceForeign ElectionsDrug PolicyLGBT Adoption RightsDeporting Criminal Immigrants

Social Justice Advocate

You believe deeply rooted systems of oppression require bold, structural change — not just individual attitude shifts.

Mandatory Military ServiceDrug PolicyDeath PenaltyGovernment SpendingForeign Elections

How similar are your political beliefs to Militarism issues? Take the political quiz to find out.