WorldJuly 13, 2026

multilateralism

/ˌmʌltiˈlætərəlɪzəm/

Definition

A foreign policy approach relying on cooperation between multiple nations through universal institutions and collective global frameworks.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'multi-' (many) and 'latus' (side), the term emerged in the 20th century to describe diplomatic efforts involving more than two nations working in concert.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the post-war international order that Canada traditionally relied upon, which the author argues is now failing as power becomes more fragmented.

From Moral Suasion to Strategic Indispensability: Carney isn't Shrinking Canada’s Ambitions, he's Updating Them.

Read the full article ↗

Policy Magazine

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.