Militarism is a political and cultural ideology that prioritizes the use of military force and aggressive foreign policy as a means of achieving national goals and objectives. It often involves the glorification of war and military power and the belief that military strength is essential for national security and success.
Militarism in India
The rise of militarism in India dates back to the British Raj with the establishment of several Indian independence movement organizations such as the Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose.The Indian National Army (INA) played a crucial role in pressuring the British Raj after it occupied the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with the help of Imperial Japan, but the movement lost momentum due to lack of support by the Indian National Congress, the Battle of Imphal, and Bose’s sudden death.
Manifestation of Militarism
- Expanding military budgets: Militarism often involves the allocation of large amounts of resources towards military spending, which can come at the expense of other social programs and public services.
- Aggressive foreign policy: Militarism often leads to an emphasis on aggressive foreign policy, including the use of military force to achieve national objectives, such as expanding territory or exerting influence over other countries.
- Cult of militarism: Militarism often involves the glorification of military power and the military lifestyle, with military personnel and veterans often held in high esteem and treated as heroes.
- Political influence: Militarism can also lead to the military exerting influence over political decision-making, with military leaders and institutions often playing a significant role in national politics.
Consequence of Militarism
- Increased risk of conflict: Militarism can increase the likelihood of conflict and war, which can have devastating human and economic consequences.
- Diverting resources away from other needs: Militarism often involves the allocation of significant resources towards military spending, which can come at the expense of other social programs and public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- Undermining democratic values: Militarism can lead to a situation in which the military exerts undue influence over political decision-making, which can undermine democratic values and principles.
- Promoting aggression and violence: Militarism can promote a culture of aggression and violence, which can have negative consequences for social and political stability.
Space Militarism
- Space militarism involves placing and developing weapons and military technology in outer space. The initial space exploration in the mid-20th century had, partly, a military motive, as the US and the USSR used it as an opportunity to demonstrate missile technology and other technologies having military application potential.
- India conducted a successful anti-satellite test in March 2019. The test placed India in the company of China, Russia, and the United States in terms of fielding a practical anti-satellite capability.
- In 2019, India also established two new bureaucracies for space, the Defence Space Research Organization (DSRO) and the Defence Space Agency (DSA).
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