multilateral
adjective
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Since lateral means "side", multilateral means basically "many-sided". The philosophy of multilateralism claims that the best solutions generally result when as many of the world's nations as possible are involved in discussions, and multilateralists often favor strengthening the United Nations. Today multilateralism can be seen at work in, for example, the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, and the International Criminal Court. But the U.S. doesn't always join the major multilateral organizations, instead often behaving as if a unilateral approach—that is, going it alone—was best for the interests of a powerful nation.
Examples of multilateral in a Sentence
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2024
Ultimately, collaboration between developing and developed states enhances the credibility of multilateral tax reform efforts.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
History suggests that the most effective approach to resolving frozen conflicts is multilateral, with governments and officials across countries working in concert to mediate disputes.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024
Hopes that more climate cash will follow Countries also anticipate that this deal will send signals that help drive funding from other sources, like multilateral development banks and private sources.
—Seth Borenstein, Sibi Arasu, TIME, 24 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Multilateral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multilateral. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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multilateral
adjective
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