Militarism has been used to prevent fighting primarily through deterrence, where a strong military presence intimidates potential adversaries and suppresses internal rebellions, discouraging conflict initiation.

Deterrence of External Threats

In ancient Sparta, a highly militarized society trained citizens rigorously to maintain constant readiness, which deterred uprisings by enslaved helots through fear of overwhelming retaliation. This approach extended to territorial expansions in places like imperial Japan and Russia, where military dominance secured borders and prevented invasions by projecting power.

Suppression of Internal Rebellions

Sparta's model exemplifies how militarism quells domestic unrest; the ever- present military subdued helot revolt risks without needing active combat. Similar dynamics appeared in post-colonial states like the Philippines and Turkey, where militaries enforced stability and prevented civil strife by ousting colonial influences and expanding control.