unilateralism

Going it alone

Unilateralism is a policy or doctrine of acting independently rather than in cooperation with other parties, especially in international relations when a nation pursues its own interests without consulting allies or international bodies.

It contrasts with multilateralism, which emphasizes collective decision-making.

The administration's unilateralism on trade policy alienated traditional partners.

The term often carries critical connotations, suggesting disregard for diplomatic consensus or established alliances.

policy

isolationism

Policy avoiding foreign alliances

noninterventionPolicy of staying uninvolved
protectionismShielding local producers
nationalismDevotion to one's country

go-it-alone · nonalignment · withdrawal · disengagement · self-determination · sovereignty · autonomy · independence · separatism · noncooperation

action

decree

Authoritative legal command

mandateFormal authoritative directive
impositionUnfair demand on someone
diktatUnilateral authoritative decree

fiat · sanction · withdrawal · abrogation · preemption · intervention · annexation · embargo · tariff · veto

dominance

hegemony

Dominant group's control

imperialismExtending dominion over others
supremacyHighest rank or power
coercionPressured compliance through threats

strong-arm · bullying · overreach · assertiveness · unaccountability · arrogance · heavy-handedness · high-handedness · arm-twisting · superpower

unilateralism

isolationism

decree

hegemony

unilateralism

Opposites

Categories

Family