multilateralism
gb/mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/ us/mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
abstract
1
cooperation among several countries
the idea that countries should solve problems by working together with several other countries, not by acting alone
Usage pattern:
[country/government/leader] supports/defends/embraces multilateralism; multilateralism in [area]
Common mistake:
Usually uncountable. Do not confuse it with bilateralism, which involves two sides, or unilateralism, which means acting alone.
Synonyms
international cooperation (broader and more everyday; does not always imply formal institutions or rules)
|
collective diplomacy (emphasizes negotiation among multiple governments)
|
cooperative internationalism (more ideological; stresses cooperation as a foreign-policy principle)
Antonyms
unilateralism (acting alone rather than with other countries)
|
bilateralism (cooperation between two sides rather than among several)
|
isolationism (avoiding international involvement rather than cooperating internationally)
Collocations
support multilateralism
|defend multilateralism
|embrace multilateralism
|commitment to multilateralism
|rules-based multilateralism
|effective multilateralism
|revive multilateralism
|return to multilateralism
|multilateralism is under threat
|the future of multilateralism
Themes
international_relations
|politics
|diplomacy
|government
|global_affairs
Examples
- The government said it would strengthen multilateralism by working more closely with the United Nations and regional partners.
- Climate change is often cited as a problem that requires multilateralism, because no single country can solve it alone.
- Critics argue that rising nationalism has weakened multilateralism and made global agreements harder to reach.
Learner examples
- The president supports multilateralism and wants countries to work together.
- Multilateralism is important for solving global problems like climate change.
Grammar
Dictionary form
multilateralism
IPA
GB/mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/
US/mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
mul - ti - lat - er - al - ism (6 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (lat)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: multilateralism
- Plural: multilateralisms
Expressions
crisis of multilateralism
1/kɹˈaɪsəs əv mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
weakening of global cooperation
a serious problem in the way countries work together internationally
Examples
- The failure to agree on a joint response was described as another sign of the crisis of multilateralism.
- Some analysts say the crisis of multilateralism reflects deeper distrust between major powers.
effective multilateralism
1/ɪfˈɛktɪv mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
results-focused international cooperation
countries working together in a way that actually solves problems
Examples
- The report argues that effective multilateralism is essential for dealing with pandemics and climate risks.
- Leaders promised effective multilateralism, but the negotiations ended without a clear agreement.
new multilateralism
1/njˈu mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
updated global cooperation model
a new way for countries and other groups to work together on global problems
Examples
- The conference called for a new multilateralism that gives developing countries a stronger voice.
- Advocates of new multilateralism argue that cities, companies, and civil society should be included in global problem-solving.
return to multilateralism
1/ɹɪtˈɚn tə mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
renewed international cooperation
a move back to solving international problems together with other countries
Examples
- The new administration promised a return to multilateralism and closer ties with allies.
- Rejoining the agreement was seen as a symbolic return to multilateralism.
rules-based multilateralism
1/ɹˈulz bˈeɪst mˌʌltilˈætɚəlˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
cooperation through shared rules
countries working together by following shared international rules
Examples
- The foreign minister called for renewed support for rules-based multilateralism in trade and security.
- Small states often argue that rules-based multilateralism protects them from pressure by more powerful countries.