multilateralism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'multilateralism' is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the practice of multiple countries or parties cooperating and making decisions together in international relations. Example: The United Nations was established to promote cooperation and multilateralism among countries in addressing global issues such as climate change and poverty.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He followed multilateralism in trade, and even had a round of multilateral trade negotiations at the GATT named after him.Mr President, history beckons.

The Economist

It is no surprise, then, that individual countries put less faith in multilateral institutions and more in their own resources.A similar rejection of multilateralism is under way in world trade, as the next article will show.

The Economist

His recipe is "realistic Wilsonianism", by which he means idealism about human rights modelled on that of Woodrow Wilson, combined with more use of multilateral methods and less use of the military.To play up multilateralism and to play down military power is now more or less what the chastened Bush administration is anyway doing.

The Economist

On foreign policy, his liking for multilateralism, typical of wimpish Democrats, is balanced by a willingness to endorse unilateral military adventures (see article).

The Economist

Mr Moreno says that in the class he taught in Florida Mr Rubio came across as a "James Baker, George H.W. Bush sort of Republican": ie, one who prefers multilateralism to going it alone.Before moving to Washington Mr Rubio spent nine years in the statehouse in Tallahassee, ending up as Speaker.

The Economist

The catastrophe of the second world war, and decades of living with limited sovereignty, taught the Germans the virtues of soft power and multilateralism.

The Economist

Most Americans have fairly centrist views on everything from multilateralism to abortion.

The Economist

Each has its own rules and administrative requirements, leading to a confusing spaghetti (or perhaps noodle soup) of preferential agreements, instead of the predictability that multilateralism promises.

The Economist

It is this, sometimes blurred, cleavage that makes Mr Obama's laudable multilateralism so hard to execute in the region.

The Economist

He believed "multilateralism" was a dirty word, treaties were not worth the paper they were written on and American might was right.

The Economist

Mr Harper has also made few friends in Africa (where he has closed embassies), or in Europe and among island states (with his feeble policy on climate change).He came to power in 2006 sceptical of Canada's traditional multilateralism ("a weak-nation strategy", he said) and of the UN itself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In political contexts, use "multilateralism" to highlight the importance of consulting with international organizations like the United Nations.

Common error

Avoid using "multilateralism" when referring to agreements or negotiations involving only two parties; "bilateralism" is the correct term for such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The noun "multilateralism" functions as a subject or object in sentences, referring to a specific approach to international relations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, illustrating how it features prominently in discussions about trade, diplomacy, and international organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "multilateralism" is a well-established and frequently used term, especially in the context of international relations, trade, and diplomacy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in reputable sources like The Economist and The New York Times. It describes the practice of multiple countries working together, contrasting with bilateral approaches. While it is most commonly found in news and business contexts, it also appears in academic and scientific discussions. When using "multilateralism", ensure it accurately reflects cooperation among multiple parties and avoid confusing it with agreements involving only two nations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

international cooperation

Focuses on the act of nations working together, broader than just policy consultation.

global collaboration

Emphasizes the worldwide scope of cooperative efforts.

international diplomacy

Highlights the role of negotiation and peaceful interaction between nations.

collective security

Stresses the joint efforts to ensure the safety and stability of multiple nations.

concerted action

Highlights coordinated efforts and synchronized strategies.

multinational partnership

Focuses on collaborative relationships between multiple countries, emphasizing partnership aspect.

international alliance

Emphasizes the formal agreement and united front among nations.

cross-border collaboration

Highlights the cooperative efforts across national boundaries.

global governance

Highlights the regulatory and administrative aspects of international collaboration.

international accord

Emphasizes formal agreements between nations.

FAQs

How is "multilateralism" used in international relations?

"Multilateralism" describes a system where multiple countries coordinate foreign policy and trade through international organizations like the UN.

What is the difference between "multilateralism" and "bilateralism"?

"Multilateralism" involves many countries working together, whereas "bilateralism" involves agreements or relations between only two countries.

What are some alternatives to using the word "multilateralism"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "international cooperation", "global collaboration", or "international diplomacy".

How does "multilateralism" impact global trade agreements?

"Multilateralism" promotes unbiased trade among nations, contrasting with bilateral agreements that might favor specific countries.