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
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Most ACMDs fall outside the scope of national antitrust and international trade laws, are not dealt with under multilateral trade agreements, and enjoy government backing.
—Alden Abbott, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
The most significant, inclusive body through which to pursue a broader set of multilateral reforms is the G-20.
—Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
The remarks outlined Biden’s vision for how the world should focus on multilateral cooperation and defended fundamental principles such as the U.N. Charter.
—Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Multilateral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multilateral. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
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multilateral
adjective
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