isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm 

 also  ˌi-

: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations

isolationist

ˌī-sə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nist 

 also  ˌi-

noun or adjective

Examples of isolationism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For anti-immigrant groups, isolationism meant preserving social homogeneity by keeping the nonwhite world at bay. —Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024

Even now, Republicans are campaigning on a platform that promotes isolationism. —Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024

From Marc Thiessen: Trump’s isolationism is mostly a myth, and his supporters want the United States to stay a world leader. —Drew Goins, Washington Post, 27 June 2024

In a pointed jab against Republicans who push for greater U.S. isolationism, Biden said the exchange would not have been possible without allies: Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway and Turkey. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm 

: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations

isolationist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun or adjective