neoisolationism

[ nee-oh-ahy-suh-ley-shuh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. a revival of isolationism arising from increased anti-Soviet and anti-European sentiment and a reluctance to involve the nation in further political and military commitments abroad.

Other Words From

• neo·iso·lation·ist adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of neoisolationism¹

First recorded in 1950–55; neo- + isolationism

Example Sentences

Ever since Viet Nam, Democratic Party activists have increasingly been drawn toward neoisolationism, as expressed by George McGovern's exhortation "Come home, America," while Republican activists have tended toward a unilateralist policy, symbolized by Reagan's call for America to "stand tall."

From Time Magazine Archive

Our failure in Southeast Asia must not be allowed to gen erate a neoisolationism.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Europeans agree with Kissinger that the conflict between Congress and the White House could lead to a paralysis of American foreign policy and even to a kind of indecisive neoisolationism.

From Time Magazine Archive