active neutrality

noun

: a policy of offering support to one side in a conflict or dispute without directly participating in that conflict or dispute

If governments sincerely support the democratic movement in Iran, they should adopt a position of active neutrality. Such a policy not only implies avoiding confrontation; it also means taking an "active" stance on human rights issues …—

Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Mar. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of active neutrality was in 1890

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Active neutrality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/active%20neutrality. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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