Hawkishness or Hawkism is an informal term used to describe political leaders who display militaristic or "pro-war" tendencies. "Hawkish" politicians often advocate agressive foreign policy positions, and are not afraid of using armed conflicts to solve disputes.
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.