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What are some causes and effects of militarism?
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Militarism arises from perceived threats, capitalism, and imperialist ambitions, leading to increased military spending to protect or expand national interests. Economically, it boosts defense industries but diverts funds from public services like education and infrastructure. Militarism heightens the risk of war, as seen in World War I, and potentially allows defense contractors to influence foreign policy. The focus on military strength can overshadow a country's broader societal needs and freedoms.
Militarism is the idea that a state, government, or people believe in keeping a strong military and in actively using it to maintain rights, property, or to expand their nation.
A major cause of militarism is capitalism and the culture that devolves from it. A capitalist culture wants to have the largest and most effective military in case of any attack against its country's freedom or land. Along these same lines, establishing a strong military across the world strengthens a company's foreign affairs, alliances, and trade market, which plays a huge role in the success of a country's economy.
A major effect of militarism is the increased threat of war. Along with the dangers of war, come threats to a countries freedom. Another major effect of militarism is the amount of money that goes into enhancing the military and doesn't go to other needs of the country. In a militaristic...
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culture, priority is given to the military over public services and the general needs of the country.
Militarism is caused by a number of different factors. First, a government may build up its military if it perceives a domestic or foreign threat. The government will increase military spending to prevent conflict with these groups. A second reason for military buildups is to increase the potential for expansion. This imperialist agenda is put forth to increase wealth and resources for a country. Another reason for militarism is that it may help a country's economy as defense industries benefit from increased military spending, a jobs are created in those fields.
Militarism does have the potential to cause wars between countries, and these wars tend to be very destructive. This was the case in World War I as European nations spent decades building up their arms, which culminated in a deadly stalemate during the early part of this war.
Another effect of militarism has to do with the economic concept of trade-off or opportunity cost. As a country spends larger amounts of money on the military, other domestic programs like education and infrastructure development will receive less. Militarism also has the potential for powerful defense contractors to dictate foreign policy of a nation.