unilateralism

[yoo-nuh-lat-er-uh-liz-uhm]

noun

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

unilateralism

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.)

Other Word Forms

• unilateralist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unilateralism¹

First recorded in 1925–30; unilateral + -ism

Example Sentences

Rhetoric to the contrary notwithstanding, these new mandarins will stay resolutely wedded to the necessity of American unilateralism, their guiding precept being “unilateralism whenever possible, multilateralism only when necessary.”

From Salon

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

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

The choice before voters is stark: international leadership built around long-standing alliances, or disruptive unilateralism with a strange fondness for authoritarians.

From Los Angeles Times

This swing away from global leadership and multilateralism — to isolationism and unilateralism — is dangerously wrongheaded.

From Los Angeles Times