Definition

1. Noun:
   • A national policy of avoiding political or economic entanglements with other countries: "Isolationism" refers to the doctrine or practice of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries. It is a policy of non-participation in international alliances and agreements.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The country's long history of isolationism made it reluctant to join the trade bloc.
  • After the war, a wave of isolationism swept through the nation's foreign policy.
  • Critics argued that isolationism was an outdated strategy in a globalized world.

Advanced Usage

• "to retreat into isolationism": to adopt or return to a policy of isolationism.

  • Facing internal crises, the government was tempted to retreat into isolationism.

• "economic isolationism": a policy focused specifically on avoiding international economic agreements and trade.

  • The new tariffs were seen as a step toward economic isolationism.

Variants and Related Words

• Isolationist (noun): A person who favors or supports a policy of isolationism.

  • The senator was a noted isolationist who voted against all foreign aid bills.

• Isolationist (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of isolationism.

  • The party's platform included several isolationist policies.

• Isolate (verb): To set apart or cut off from others. (This is the root verb from which "isolationism" is derived, but it has a broader, non-political meaning).

Synonyms

• Non-interventionism: The principle or practice of not becoming involved in the affairs of others.
• Neutralism: A policy of neutrality, especially in international politics.

Antonyms

• Internationalism: The principle of cooperation among nations for the promotion of their common good.
• Interventionism: The policy of intervening in the affairs of other countries.
• Globalism: A policy or attitude that prioritizes the worldwide integration of economic and political systems.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Fortress mentality": An attitude or policy of defensively isolating oneself from external influences, often used similarly to isolationism.
  • The company's fortress mentality, akin to national isolationism, prevented it from adapting to new market trends.

Noun

1. a policy of nonparticipation in international economic and political relations