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

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