isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce isolationism (audio)
 also  ˌi-
: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations
isolationist noun or adjective

Examples of isolationism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Republican Party, of course, still has many experts, and there is sincere internal debate within the GOP about whether some form of isolationism or restraint is preferable to the party’s more traditionally hawkish stance. Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Where Trump breaks with his rivals is not his isolationism, but his embrace of autocracy. Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2024 In January 1945, Arthur H. Vandenberg, R-Mich., gave a landmark Senate speech now remembered as the moment when his party finally began to put its reflexive isolationism behind it. Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2024 Anticipating a long period of deepening American isolationism and authoritarianism, European countries are investing more in their own militaries—and that means spending more on the production of artillery shells and missiles. David Axe, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 This November, Republicans must deliver a resounding rejection of short-sighted isolationism that abandons our allies and emboldens our enemies. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2024 Neither isolationism for the U.S. nor surrender for Ukraine are options. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 The Reagan-era consensus around free trade, free-market capitalism and a militarily strong America has been challenged by Trump-era protectionism, nationalism and isolationism. WSJ, 2 Jan. 2024 Some argue that instead where many Americans are is in a mounting isolationism that clashes with Mr. Biden’s global battle for democracy and international law. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isolationism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isolationism was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near isolationism

Cite this Entry

“Isolationism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isolationism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

isolationism

noun
iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce isolationism (audio)
: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations
isolationist noun or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on isolationism

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