WorldAugust 19, 2026

multilateralization

MUL-ti-lat-er-uh-li-ZAY-shun

Definition

The act or process of involving multiple parties or nations in a negotiation, process, or agreement that was previously bilateral.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'multus' (many) and 'latus' (side), the word evolved in political and diplomatic contexts during the 20th century to describe the expansion of agreements from two-party to multi-party frameworks.

In the news

The article references this term in the context of maritime boundary talks, noting that there is no obligation to bring in third parties—or 'multilateralize'—because doing so could complicate sensitive bilateral negotiations.

As Tokyo and Manila Talk Boundaries, Beijing Breaks Them

Read the full article ↗

Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative

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