What is Antimilitarism?

Introduction Antimilitarism (also spelt anti-militarism) is a doctrine that opposes war, relying heavily on a critical theory of imperialism and was an explicit goal of the First and Second International. Whereas pacifism is the doctrine that disputes (especially between countries) should be settled without recourse to violence, Paul B. Miller defines anti-militarism as “ideology and… Read More

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What is Songun?

Introduction Songun is the “military-first” policy of North Korea, prioritising the Korean People’s Army in the affairs of state and allocation of resources. “Military-first” as a principle guides political and economic life in North Korea, with “military-first politics” dominating the political system; “a line of military-first economic construction” acting as an economic system; and “military-first… Read More

What is Japanese Militarism?

Introduction Japanese militarism (日本軍国主義, Nihon gunkoku shugi) refers to the ideology in the Empire of Japan which advocates the belief that militarism should dominate the political and social life of the nation, and the belief that the strength of the military is equal to the strength of a nation. Refer to Stratocracy and Songun. Brief… Read More

What is Stratocracy?

Introduction A stratocracy (from στρατός, stratos, “army” and κράτος, kratos, “dominion”, “power”, also stratiocracy) is a form of government headed by military chiefs. The branches of government are administered by military forces, the government is legal under the laws of the jurisdiction at issue, and is usually carried out by military workers. Refer to Militarism,… Read More

What is Militarism?

Introduction Militarism is the belief or the desire of a government or a people that a state should maintain a strong military capability and to use it aggressively to expand national interests and/or values. It may also imply the glorification of the military and of the ideals of a professional military class and the “predominance… Read More