Hawksmanship: meaning, definitions and examples

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hawksmanship

[ˈhɔːksmənʃɪp ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political skill

Hawksmanship refers to the practice or approach of advocating for aggressive policies and military action, often in a political context. The term is commonly used to describe politicians who display a strong preference for confrontation over negotiation, particularly in foreign policy.

Synonyms

belligerence, militarism, warhawk approach.

Examples of usage

His hawksmanship was evident during the debate on military intervention.
Critics argue that her hawksmanship could lead to unnecessary conflicts.
The administration's hawksmanship is shaping its foreign policy decisions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'hawksmanship' combines 'hawk', referring to the bird of prey, and 'manship', which means skill or craft.
Hawking has roots in Middle English 'hauking', which itself comes from the Old French 'haucer', meaning to chase birds.
The practice of training birds of prey dates back over 4,000 years, primarily in ancient civilizations.

Cultural Significance

Hawking was historically associated with nobility and the elite, symbolizing power and prestige in medieval Europe.
In many cultures, hawks were seen as messengers of the gods or symbols of strength and freedom.
The tradition of falconry, traditional hawking, is so valued that it's recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Literature

In literature, hawks are often depicted as symbols of vision and keen insight, representing the pursuit of goals.
Many classic works feature hawks as motifs, illustrating themes such as freedom and the relationship between man and nature.
Shakespeare referenced the skill of falconry in several plays, using hawks as metaphors for ambition and control.

Science

Hawks have exceptional eyesight, able to see ultraviolet light and identify prey from great distances.
Birds of prey, including hawks, are vital for maintaining balanced ecosystems as they control populations of small mammals and rodents.
The structures of their wings and body allow for remarkable agility and speed, making them powerful hunters.

Psychology

The practice of hawking can foster patience and discipline, as it requires extensive training and understanding of animal behavior.
Hawks, with their predatory skills, evoke ideas of success and apex status, influencing people's perception of ambition.
Interacting with hawks provides therapeutic benefits, such as reduced stress and an increased sense of connection with nature.