Militarism is the belief that a country should build a strong army (and navy, air force) and use that force to protect itself and to get what it wants. It is not merely ‘having soldiers’. Almost every country has an army. Militarism is when military strength, military honour, and military solutions sit at the centre of politics — when leaders reach for force first, and when society is asked to admire uniforms and obedience. History writing uses it for periods and states that put the army above civilian life. Critics use it as a warning word; people who hold the view may say defence or strength instead. Opposite mood: pacifism, the belief that war and armies should be refused or kept small. Formal, political, textbook-and-news register.