1. a policy of maintaining a strong military capability and being prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests
2. the belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it

Examples

• The rise of militarism in Europe contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
• Critics argued that the government’s increased defense spending reflected dangerous militarism.
• The peace movement opposed the country’s growing militarism.
• Militarism became a dominant force in the nation’s foreign policy.
• The historian studied the effects of militarism on society during wartime.
• Many citizens worried that militarism was replacing diplomatic solutions.