internationalism

American  

[in-ter-nash-uh-nl-iz-uhm] / ˌɪn tərˈnæʃ ə nlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the principle of cooperation among nations, for the promotion of their common good, sometimes as contrasted with nationalism, or devotion to the interests of a particular nation.

2. international character, relations, cooperation, or control.

3. (initial capital letter) the principles or methods of a communist or socialist International.

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internationalism British  

/ ˌɪntəˈnæʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the ideal or practice of cooperation and understanding between nations

2. the state or quality of being international

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internationalism Cultural  

1. The view that nations should cooperate in international organizations, such as the United Nations, to settle disputes.

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Etymology

Origin of internationalism

First recorded in 1850–55; international + -ism

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Compare meaning

How does internationalism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• isolationism vs. internationalism

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Explanation

In political science, internationalism refers to the idea that cooperation between different countries is beneficial for everyone. A government that adheres to the doctrine of internationalism works with other governments to avoid conflict and to cooperate economically. Most fans of internationalism are also in favor of "free trade," in which nations are free to buy and sell goods across all borders. The opposite of internationalism is ultranationalism or jingoism, which favor extreme patriotism and aggression toward other countries.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

internationalism

Perhaps the difference lies in the two types of internationalism, or “globalism,” as some like to say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Sir Keir also promised to return the UK to “responsible global leadership” by recommitting to “the UN, to internationalism, to the rule of law”.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2024

But perhaps the most startling and encouraging evidence of the academy’s growing internationalism could be found in another area of the nominations altogether.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 7, 2024

And yet idealist internationalism rests on the aspiration of rising above our differences.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 3, 2023

To promote an economic internationalism we must make our own internal economic development sound; to help cure the World we must maintain our own health.

From American World Policies by Walter E. Weyl

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