What does multilateralism mean?

Definitions for multilateralism
mul·ti·lat·er·al·ism

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word multilateralism.

Wiktionary

  1. multilateralismnoun

    Unbiased trade between nations, in contrast to bilateralism.

  2. multilateralismnoun

    A system by which nations consult others in matters of foreign policy, by way of organisations such as the United Nations.

Wikidata

  1. Multilateralism

    In international relations, multilateralism is multiple countries working in concert on a given issue. Multilateralism was defined by Miles Kahler as “international governance of the ‘many,’” and its central principle was “opposition [of] bilateral discriminatory arrangements that were believed to enhance the leverage of the powerful over the weak and to increase international conflict.” In 1990, Robert Keohane defined multilateralism as “the practice of coordinating national policies in groups of three or more states. International organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization are multilateral in nature. The main proponents of multilateralism have traditionally been the middle powers such as Canada, Australia, Switzerland, the Benelux countries and the Nordic countries. Larger states often act unilaterally, while smaller ones may have little direct power in international affairs aside from participation in the United Nations. Multilateralism may involve several nations acting together as in the UN or may involve regional or military alliances, pacts, or groupings such as NATO.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of multilateralism in Chaldean Numerology is: 9

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of multilateralism in Pythagorean Numerology is: 5

Examples of multilateralism in a Sentence

  1. Liz Truss:

    It is important that we take a stand to support multilateralism and the global trading system, there has been too much undermining of the rules-based order.

  2. Emmanuel Macron:

    Do not accept the erosion of multilateralism, don't accept our history unraveling, I'm not getting used to it and I'm not turning my head.

  3. British Ambassador Aidan Liddle:

    If we are going to start picking and choosing then I think this will be the beginning of the end of multilateralism.

  4. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto:

    Multilateralism is the best way of defending sovereignty... and at the same time, contributing to the security and well being of the community of nations.

  5. Antonio Guterres:

    Trust in global governance is also fragile, multilateralism is under fire precisely when we need it most.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

multilateralism#10000#81333#100000

Translations for multilateralism

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

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"multilateralism." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 10 Mar. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/multilateralism>.

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