(n)a political orientation of a people or a government to maintain a strong military force and to be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
1. A military state or condition; a military system; reliance on military force in administering government. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The spirit and traditions of military life. H. Spencer. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The view that military strength, efficiency and values should dominate the country's public policy choices and take precedence over other interests. [ 1913 Webster PJC ]
4. The policy of maintaining a large military force, even in peacetime; -- a term usually used by opponents of such a policy on the assumption that such a large force is unnecessary for national defense. [ PJC ]