Hawkishness or Hawkism is an informal term used to describe political leaders who display militaristic or "pro-war" tendencies. "Hawkish" politicians often advocate aggressive 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.
See also: jingoism