PoliticsAugust 17, 2026
utopianism
yoo-TOH-pee-uh-niz-um
Definition
The practice of believing in or advocating for idealized social and political systems that are considered impractical or impossible to achieve.
Etymology
The term is derived from 'Utopia,' a word coined by Sir Thomas More in his 1516 book of the same name, which combines the Greek words 'ou' (not) and 'topos' (place), meaning 'no-place' or 'nowhere'.
In the news
The article contrasts the conservative tradition of anti-imperialism with liberal utopianism, arguing that the latter mistakenly believes American foreign intervention will inherently create global peace and prosperity.
Marco Rubio got it wrong
Read the full article ↗The Boston Globe