What does antimilitarism mean?
Antimilitarism is opposition to militarism — the doctrine that a nation should maintain a powerful military and be prepared to use it aggressively. As a noun, it names both a personal conviction and an organized political current: the view that military values, standing armies, and the resort to armed force should have no central place in public life. The word appears most often in political philosophy, history, and journalism, describing movements and thinkers who campaign for disarmament, civilian control of the military, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. It is closely related to pacifism but not identical: pacifism rejects war and violence on moral grounds in general, while antimilitarism focuses specifically on resisting the institutional power and cultural prestige of the military. The term is formal in register and is common in European political discourse, where strong antimilitarist traditions have shaped postwar constitutions and foreign policies. Understanding it helps clarify debates about defense spending, conscription, and the role of armed forces in democratic societies.
nounOpposition to militarism; the belief or doctrine that military values, institutions, and warfare should play no significant role in society and that political life should be conducted without reliance on armed force.
- Opposition to militarism, especially as a political stance or social movement advocating the reduction or abolition of military institutions and influence.
"Her lifelong antimilitarism was shaped by her experiences as a conscientious objector during the war."
"The country's strong tradition of antimilitarism after the war was written directly into its constitution."
"His antimilitarism made him a vocal critic of the government's decision to expand defense spending."
Rarely used; the noun is normally uncountable. A plural appears only when contrasting several distinct antimilitarist traditions or movements.
"Historians compared the differing antimilitarisms of interwar Britain and France."
The word pairs one of humanity's oldest ideals — peace — with a Greek prefix meaning 'against,' making 'antimilitarism' literally a war on war itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antimilitarism
Antimilitarism combines the Greek-derived prefix 'anti-' (meaning against) with 'militarism,' which itself derives from the Latin 'militaris,' meaning 'of a soldier,' from 'miles' (soldier). The compound form arose in nineteenth-century European political discourse, when organized movements opposing standing armies and military influence gained prominence. It shares its Latin root with words such as 'military,' 'militant,' and 'militia.'
Related word forms
How antimilitarism is actually used
Antimilitarism is a formal, largely political term used in academic writing, journalism, and activist discourse. It typically carries a positive connotation within pacifist and left-leaning circles and a critical or neutral one elsewhere. It is distinct from mere antiwar feeling in that it targets the underlying military culture and institutions rather than a single conflict.
Easily confused with antimilitarism
Pacifism is the broader moral rejection of all war and violence, whereas antimilitarism specifically opposes militarism — the dominance of military institutions and values in politics and society.
Militarism is the ideology it opposes: the belief that a state should maintain a strong military capability and use it aggressively to advance national interests.