Final answer:
A military state is a form of government that places a primary focus on military strength, often investing heavily in military technology and personnel, and shaping society to support the military. It tends to enforce policies through military force and may engage in total war, mobilizing all resources towards military goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
A military state refers to a government that prioritizes military power and often structures its society to support the military. These states invest heavily in military hardware and personnel, often at the expense of other aspects of society. At times in history, such as during the Warring States period, military competition spurred economic progress and innovation in military technology.
Core elements of a military state can include efficient taxation for raising military funds, suppression of the power of nobility, a dominant class of bureaucrats managing state affairs, and advancement in military security.
Additionally, a military state often demonstrates characteristics of total war, where there is no distinction between civilian and military targets, mobilizing all societal resources for war efforts. The culture of these states leans heavily towards the military, influencing all areas of life and enforcing policy through military force.