isolationism

isolationism [ahy-suh-ley-shuh-niz-uh m, is-uh-] ExamplesWord Origin See more synonyms for isolationism on Thesaurus.com noun

1. the policy or doctrine of isolating one’s country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the entire efforts of one’s country to its own advancement and remain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities.

Origin of isolationism An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; isolation + -ism Related formsan·ti-i·so·la·tion·ism, noun Related Words for isolationism negligence, disdain, carelessness, inattention, apathy, lack, nonchalance, alienation, disinterest, disregard, inertia, insensitivity, callousness, lethargy, coolness, stoicism, neutrality, disinterestedness, impartiality, dispassion Examples from the Web for isolationism Contemporary Examples of isolationism

Yet American minimalism, isolationism, realism, mind-our-own-business-ism—whatever you want to call it—is cyclical.

Rand Paul vs. the Real World

James Kirchick

September 10, 2014

So how does he end up with the leader of American isolationism?

Is Rand Paul a Secret Hawk? Or Maybe Not a Total Dove?

James Kirchick

May 9, 2014

Cheney tacitly bashed Paul last month, saying an “increasing strain of isolationism” is taking over their party.

Will Rand Paul’s Unorthodox Foreign Policy Fit in the GOP?

Kristen Soltis Anderson

April 9, 2014

Paul, by talking up his isolationism, would goad Romney into sounding like Dick Cheney.

Michael Tomasky: Why Iowa Is Mitt Romney’s Do-or-Die Moment

Michael Tomasky

January 2, 2012

The cold war lasted half a century, but isolationism never left the conservative DNA.

Peter Beinart: How Ron Paul Will Change the GOP in 2012

Peter Beinart

December 27, 2011

Historical Examples of isolationism

We have made it equally dear that we will not retreat to isolationism.

State of the Union Addresses of Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman

Perfectionism, no less than isolationism or imperialism or power politics, may obstruct the paths to international peace.

State of the Union Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt

This is a fact: Strength in the pursuit of peace is no vice; isolationism in the pursuit of security is no virtue.

Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006

Various

Isolationism would not only tie our hands in fighting enemies, it would keep us from helping our friends in desperate need.

Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006

Various

British Dictionary definitions for isolationism isolationism noun

1. a policy of nonparticipation in or withdrawal from international affairs
2. an attitude favouring such a policy

Derived Formsisolationist, noun, adjective isolationism in Culture isolationism

The doctrine that a nation should stay out of the disputes and affairs of other nations. The United States practiced a policy of isolationism until World War I and did not pursue an active international policy until after World War II. (See “entangling alliances with none.”)