isolationism

[ ahy-suh-ley-shuh-niz-uhm, is-uh- ]

noun

1. the policy or doctrine of isolating one's country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the entire efforts of one's country to its own advancement and remain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities.

isolationism

/ ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. a policy of nonparticipation in or withdrawal from international affairs
2. an attitude favouring such a policy

isolationism

1. The doctrine that a nation should stay out of the disputes and affairs of other nations. The United States practiced a policy of isolationism until World War I and did not pursue an active international policy until after World War II . ( See “ entangling alliances with none .”)

Derived Forms

• ˌisoˈlationist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• anti-iso·lation·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of isolationism¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; isolation + -ism

Example Sentences

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former Senate leader, has said he plans to use his remaining time in the Senate to oppose the rising isolationism in his party.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s pitch for isolationism, or his willingness to ignore Ukraine, apparently resonated with many voters.

From Los Angeles Times

The pendulum between US interventionism and isolationism is closely watched and felt in Ukraine.

From BBC

He sees greater light if Ms Harris wins, and says that “a return to Trump’s presidency marked by isolationism and unilateralism, offers little but a deepening of global instability.”

From BBC

And he's slowly conditioning people away from from really a global economy into isolationism.

From Salon

Related Words

• alienation
• apathy
• callousness
• carelessness
• disdain
• disinterest
• disregard
• inattention
• inertia
• insensitivity
• lack
• negligence
• nonchalance