WorldJuly 18, 2026

expansionism

ik-SPAN-shuh-niz-um

Definition

The policy or practice of increasing a nation's territory, economic power, or geopolitical influence, often at the expense of other nations.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'expandere,' meaning to spread out, combined with the suffix '-ism,' denoting a doctrine or system. It entered English in the mid-19th century to describe aggressive territorial or political growth.

In the news

The article uses expansionism to describe the historical and current motivation behind U.S. interventionist policies in Latin America, framing it as a justification for increased regional control. This term is critical here as it highlights the tension between stated security goals and the critique of imperialistic motives.

Trump Administration Seeks To Rally Latin America Behind New Monroe Doctrine

Read the full article ↗

The Organization for World Peace

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