internationalism

[ in-ter-nash-uh-nl-iz-uhm ]

/ ˌɪn tərˈnæʃ ə nlˌɪz əm /

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noun

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.

international character, relations, cooperation, or control.

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

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Origin of internationalism

First recorded in 1850–55; international + -ism

Words nearby internationalism

International Finance Corporation, International Geophysical Year, International Gothic, International Grand Master, International Ice Patrol, internationalism, internationalist, internationalize, International Joint Commission, International Labor Organization, International Labour Organisation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use internationalism in a sentence

Such sentiment led to Vietnam and decades would pass before we saw those wounds heal and the resurgent internationalism that peaked with the Iraq invasion.
The Last Person Who Believes in Western Intervention|Elliot Ackerman|February 21, 2022|Time
Yes, but the reason we have this backlash against globalisation and internationalism is because people feel like their national social contracts are not delivering.
The Pandemic Laid Bare the World’s Inequities. A Top Economist on Why We Need a New Social Contract|Dan Stewart|August 12, 2021|Time
Here the ayatollahs’ internationalism seems untouched by Islamist ideology.
America and Iran, from fascination to antagonism|Ray Takeyh|February 26, 2021|Washington Post
It was a compelling vision of American hegemony that joined nationalism and internationalism in the interests of global leadership.
As The World Watches US Election, The Appeal Of America Is Diminished|LGBTQ-Editor|November 2, 2020|No Straight News

This penchant for medical internationalism goes back to the greatest icon of the revolution, Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
The Dark Side of Cuba’s Ebola Economy|James Bloodworth|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Since Rwanda, Rice embraced the tradition of liberal internationalism.
Susan Rice Withdraws State Bid, Republicans Win One|Eli Lake|December 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
This part of the speech was a success, a judicious mix of toughness and high-minded internationalism.
Can He Wow the World Again?|Reihan Salam|September 23, 2009|DAILY BEAST
But when the day arrived, my internationalism and cosmopolitanism, a gradual and unconscious growth, suddenly disappeared.
Paris Vistas|Helen Davenport Gibbons
What is the attitude of your organization relative to internationalism and national patriotism?
The Everett massacre|Walker C. Smith
We have seen bitter scorn heaped on the few who have labored for internationalism in thought and feeling.
Our Lady Saint Mary|J. G. H. Barry
We have seen the attempt of labor at internationalism utterly break down under the pressure of patriotic motive.
Our Lady Saint Mary|J. G. H. Barry
Certainly a reaction is setting in, away from the old universality, back, away from cosmopolitanism and internationalism.
Sea and Sardinia|D. H. Lawrence

British Dictionary definitions for internationalism

internationalism

/ (ˌɪntəˈnæʃənəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

the ideal or practice of cooperation and understanding between nations

the state or quality of being international

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for internationalism

internationalism

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