WorldSeptember 2, 2026

exceptionalism

ik-SEP-shuh-nuh-liz-uhm

Definition

The belief that a country or state is unique and inherently exempt from the rules, moral standards, or international laws that apply to other nations.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective 'exceptional' plus the suffix '-ism', this term gained prominence in the 20th century to describe the unique historical trajectory and ideological mission attributed to the United States.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the US government's attitude that it and its allies should not be subject to the same legal accountability or ICC jurisdiction as their geopolitical rivals.

America Praised The ICC Until It Came For An Ally – OpEd

Read the full article ↗

Eurasia Review

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