unilateralism

noun

uni·​lat·​er·​al·​ism ˌyü-ni-ˈla-t(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce unilateralism (audio)
: a policy of taking unilateral action (as in international affairs) regardless of outside support or reciprocity
also : advocacy of such a policy
unilateralist noun or adjective

Examples of unilateralism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unlike post-Vietnam Presidents, Trump has also abandoned internationalism for a crude form of unilateralism and has substituted personal grievance for national strategy. Steven Gillon / Made By History, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025 An advanced health security strategy that uses unilateralism to its advantage and streamlines response efforts puts America first. Andrew Kishuni, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025 The only way South Korea can hedge against the United States’ periodic swings toward isolationism, unilateralism, and transactionalism is to acquire its own nuclear defenses, thereby reducing its inordinate dependence on the United States for its security. Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 Lev Nachman, political scientist and assistant professor at National Chengchi University in Taipei, said Trump's historical penchant for unilateralism could further strengthen China's hand in the region at the expense of the U.S.'s framework of alliances—complicate Taiwan's standing. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for unilateralism

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unilateralism was in 1926

Cite this Entry

“Unilateralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unilateralism. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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