multilateral
adjective
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Since lateral means "side", multilateral means basically "many-sided". The philosophy of multilateralism claims that the best solutions generally result when as many of the world's nations as possible are involved in discussions, and multilateralists often favor strengthening the United Nations. Today multilateralism can be seen at work in, for example, the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, and the International Criminal Court. But the U.S. doesn't always join the major multilateral organizations, instead often behaving as if a unilateral approach—that is, going it alone—was best for the interests of a powerful nation.
Examples of multilateral in a Sentence
Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
Still, Rubio's confirmation will signal a shift in the country's diplomatic approach, one that champions U.S. interests while potentially sidelining multilateral partnerships that have defined U.S. foreign policy for decades.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
If a comprehensive multilateral trade agreement remains beyond the reach of the administration, an easier political sell would be bilateral trade deals.
—Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
What happens when the US shows up to multilateral fora or bilateral conversations and does not prioritize setting the rules of the road for the clean energy economy?
—Matt Reynolds, WIRED, 10 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Multilateral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multilateral. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
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multilateral
adjective
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