The word "militarist" is spelled with five syllables, and the stress falls on the second syllable, "tar". Its phonetic transcription in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ˈmɪlɪtərɪst/. The word describes a person who supports the use of military force for political ends, often to expand their country's power or influence. It can be formed by adding the suffix "-ist" to "military", reflecting the word's origins in the concept of military power and authority.
A militarist is an individual or a proponent of a political ideology that upholds the primacy of military power, policies, or values in the functioning and decision-making of a nation or society. This term is often associated with a belief in the importance of pursuing military solutions over diplomatic or peaceful means in addressing conflicts or threats.
Militarists advocate for the aggressive expansion of armed forces, maintaining a strong military presence, and allocating significant resources towards the development and acquisition of weapons and military technologies. They prioritize the interests of the military, defense establishment, or defense industry and often seek to increase military spending and influence in policymaking processes.
Furthermore, militarists may advocate for the militarization of public life, emphasizing values such as discipline, obedience, and hierarchy prevalent in military institutions. They may align themselves with nationalist or authoritarian ideologies to promote the central role of the military in society and strengthen national security.
Critics of militarism argue that it can lead to a detrimental imbalance in societal priorities, favoring military expenditure or aggression at the expense of social welfare programs, diplomacy, or peaceful conflict resolutions. These critics may assert that a militarist approach can potentially escalate tensions, foster arms races, and heighten the risk of armed conflicts or wars.
The word "militarist" is derived from the noun "military", which originated from the Latin word "militaris". In Latin, "militaris" meant "of a soldier" or "of military service". It is derived from the Latin word "miles", meaning "soldier".
The suffix "-ist" comes from the French "-iste", which was derived from the Latin "-ista" and the Greek suffix "-istes". The suffix "-ist" denotes a person who adheres to or advocates a particular belief, system, or practice. In the case of "militarist", it refers to a person who supports or advocates for militarism, which is a policy or ideology that places a significant emphasis on military power and regards military strength as essential for a nation's protection and prosperity.