Hawkish - Definition and Overview

Hawkishness or Hawkism is an informal term used to describe a political stance of preparedness for aggression, by diplomatic and ultimately military means, against others to improve the standing of their own government, country or organization.

The term is an allusion to the predatory hawk bird, and is usually used in contrast to the term dovish, which makes an allusion to the more peaceful dove bird. It is also an ancient native American reference to the turtle. In the United States, War Hawks were those who favored American expansion and war with Great Britain in the years before the War of 1812.

The term is sometimes extended to a tough stance on other issues, such as "deficit hawk" for someone who puts a high priority on reducing the United States federal budget deficit.

The term is used in the 1964 film Fail-Safe.

See also: jingoism, Chickenhawk (politics)

Example Usage of Hawkish