unilateralism
/ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəlɪzəm/
Definition
The practice of a government making foreign policy decisions or taking actions independently, without prior consultation or cooperation with allies.
Etymology
The term derives from the Latin 'unus' (one) and 'latus' (side), combined with the suffix '-ism' to denote a political stance. It entered English in the early 20th century to describe diplomatic strategies that prioritize national self-interest over collective consensus.
In the news
In this article, the author highlights how the Trump administration's unilateral actions—such as imposing tariffs and making threats—undermined trust with European allies. This approach is contrasted with multilateralism, which the author argues is necessary for long-term global stability.
The costs of unilateralism and the path to restore US-European relations
Read the full article ↗The Hill