nonalignment

[ non-uh-lahyn-muhnt ]

noun

1. the state or condition of being nonaligned.
2. a national policy repudiating political or military alliance with a world power, as the U.S. or the People's Republic of China.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonalignment¹

First recorded in 1930–35; non- + alignment

Example Sentences

Its neighbor Finland had already joined in April 2023 in another historic move ending years of military nonalignment.

From Seattle Times

This remarkably long era of nonalignment is coming to a close as Sweden joins NATO.

From Seattle Times

Sweden, along with neighboring Finland, set aside decades of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATO’s collective security umbrella after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

From Seattle Times

It abandoned decades of military nonalignment in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to become NATO’s 31st member in April, much to the annoyance of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

From Seattle Times

Yet Sweden is poised to join NATO, following Finland’s accession last year, as both countries set aside years of military nonalignment over nervousness about Russian aggressions.

From New York Times