Unilateralism

Unilateralism, ("one+side-ism") refers to a doctrine or agenda which supports one-sided action. Such action may be in disregard for other parties, or as a expression of a commitment toward a direction which other parties may find agreeable. Unilateralism is a neologism, coined to be an antonym for multilateralism —the doctrine which asserts the benefits of participation from as many parties as possible.

Related Topics:
-ism - Neologism - Antonym - Multilateralism

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The two terms together can refer to differences in foreign policy approached to international problems. When agreement by multiple parties is absolutely required —for example in the context of international trade policies —bilateral agreements (involving two participants at a time) are usually preferred by proponents of unilateralism.

Related Topics:
Foreign policy - Trade - Bilateral

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Unilateralism may be preferred in those instances when it's assumed to be the most efficient, i.e. in issues that can be solved without cooperation. However, a government may also have a principal preference for unilateralism or multilateralism, and for instance strive to avoid policies that can't be realized unilaterally, alternatively to champion multilateral solution also to problems that seen isolated equally well could have been solved unilaterally.

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Typically, governments may argue that their ultimate or middle-term goals are served by a strengthening of multilateral schemes and institutions, as was many times the case during the period of the Concert of Europe.

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