irredentism

[ ir-i-den-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. (usually initial capital letter) an Italian association that became prominent in 1878, advocating the incorporation into Italy of certain neighboring regions having a primarily Italian population:

   After World War II, Irredentism faded away in Italian politics.

2. the acquisition or annexation of a region previously included in another country because of cultural, historical, ethnic, racial, or other ties, or advocacy for such an acquisition:

   Few countries are explicitly mandating irredentism, but having ethnic communities divided by borders created by colonialists is hugely troublesome.

Word History and Origins

Origin of irredentism¹

First recorded in 1880–85; irredent(ism) ( def ) + -ist ( def )

Example Sentences

The foreign ministries of Romania, Austria and Ukraine — areas of which once belonged to the Hungarian kingdom — accused Orban of irredentism, which is a desire to regain lost territory.

From Seattle Times

The latest: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of growing Russian irredentism late Friday, cautioning that the invasion of Ukraine was “intended only as a beginning … they want to capture other countries.”

From Washington Post

Among conflict-generating “isms” the most relevant one today, however, may be irredentism.

From Washington Post

China claims Taiwan as its territory to legitimise its aggression and expansionism, Wu said, adding: "Isn't this irredentism precisely what gave rise to the Second World War?"

From Reuters

However, normal relations between Israel and its neighbor states should not be held hostage to Palestinian irredentism.

From Washington Post