unilateralism
3
9.1
- noun
- /ˌjunɪˈlætərəlɪzəm/
- Many argue that U.S. policy after 9/11 was distinguished by its unilateralism.
- aggressive unilateralism
- unilateralism in foreign affairs
- tendency toward unilateralism
Examples
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The world can withstand radically new security approaches, and it will accommodate American unilateralism as well.
Academic text (2002) -
The senator criticized the president's policy of unilateralism in foreign affairs.
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Yet none of this means that American unilateralism is all bad.
Academic text (2002) -
Similarly, even Canada has turned to unilateralism when it has suited its purpose.
Academic text (2005) -
U.S. allies must accept that some U.S. unilateralism is inevitable, even desirable.
Academic text (2002) -
Nor is India especially nervous about Washington's growing unilateralism in world affairs.
Academic text (2003) -
In recent months, Bush has also, in small ways, begun moderating his unilateralism.
Academic text (2002) -
At the same time, he has embraced unilateralism with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.
Academic text (2005) -
Like many other countries, China perceives a greater American inclination toward unilateralism since the Bush administration took office.
Academic text (2003) -
And unilateralism is so much easier to sell and conceptually so much cleaner than multilateralism.
Academic text (2002)
Synonyms
1
9.9
Showing only one side or view
Antonyms
How Independent
Surface Forms
Morphology
unilateralism = unilateral (transparent) = uni + lateral + ism
Standard noun formation from the adjective 'unilateral' indicating a doctrine or practice characterized by being one-sided.
Etymology
Unilateralism comes from uni- meaning 'one', lateral meaning 'side', and -ism meaning 'a practice or belief'. So unilateralism is the practice of acting from one side alone, for example when a country makes decisions without asking other countries.