unilateral
/ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəl/
Definition
An action performed or initiated by only one party, without the agreement, participation, or authorization of other involved parties or international bodies.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'unus' (one) and 'latus' (side), the term entered English in the early 19th century. It combines the prefix 'uni-' with 'lateral' to describe something involving or affecting only one side of an issue.
In the news
In this article, the word describes the U.S. military operation against Venezuela, highlighting that the action was taken without UN Security Council approval and thus bypassed established international legal frameworks. This highlights the tension between powerful states acting independently versus relying on collective global mechanisms.
States as protectors and violators of human rights: The detention of Nicolás Maduro by the US
Read the full article ↗Universidad de Navarra