unilateralism

American  

[yoo-nuh-lat-er-uh-liz-uhm] / ˌju nəˈlæt ər əˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. the advocacy or pursuit of a unilateral policy, especially in disarmament.

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unilateralism Cultural  

1. Action initiated or taken by a single nation rather than by two nations (see bilateralism) (see also bilateralism) or several (see multilateralism). For example, a nation might choose to disarm unilaterally in the hope that others will follow. (See recognition.)

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Other Word Forms

• unilateralist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of unilateralism

First recorded in 1925–30; unilateral + -ism

Explanation

Governments that believe in unilateralism think that they should wage war and enact foreign policy without consulting any other countries. When a country uses unilateralism, it refuses to involve other nations in its foreign affairs. If a government wages war on a neighboring country without the advice of any outside groups, allies, or nearby countries, it's adopting a policy of unilateralism. Any action described this way is completely one-sided, and the roots of the word unilateralism reflect this — uni means "one" in Latin, and lateralism comes from latus, or "side."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unilateralism

He slammed growing unilateralism and protectionism, which he said was "no panacea for resolving problems".

From Barron's ● Mar. 22, 2026

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng delivered a speech at Davos this week denouncing “rising unilateralism and protectionism” while portraying China as a benefit to the world.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 23, 2026

"In an international scenario of growing protectionism and unilateralism, the agreement is a signal in favour of international trade as a driver of economic growth, with benefits for both blocs," President Lula posted on X.

From BBC ● Jan. 9, 2026

At the dawn of this century, the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, led to an instant escalation of presidential power and executive unilateralism.

From Salon ● Nov. 10, 2024

In fact, the persecution has only made her more poisonously smug in her Android unilateralism.

From Slate ● Mar. 18, 2023