unilateralism

[ yoo-nuh-lat-er-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. the advocacy or pursuit of a unilateral policy, especially in disarmament.

unilateralism

1. Action initiated or taken by a single nation rather than by two nations ( see bilateralism ) (see also bilateralism ) or several ( see multilateralism ). For example, a nation might choose to disarm unilaterally in the hope that others will follow. ( See recognition .)

Other Words From

• uni·later·al·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unilateralism¹

First recorded in 1925–30; unilateral + -ism

Example Sentences

No huge tax cuts for the rich; no repeal of Obamacare; no opposition to same-sex marriage; no wanton unilateralism; and so on.

From The Daily Beast

The criticisms of choice were Abbas's unilateralism and defiance of Israel and his U.S. benefactors.

From The Daily Beast

Unilateralism is not a substitute, but could help that process along by disentangling Israel from the West Bank.

From The Daily Beast

Not all unilateralism is new or constructive; the devil is and will always be in the details.

From The Daily Beast

Hoping for a change in Netanyahu or even for Israeli unilateralism—whatever one might think of its merits—is misguided.

From The Daily Beast