Internationalist

An internationalist is a person who advocates internationalism, the principle of cooperation among nations and peoples beyond national borders, often emphasizing peace, mutual aid, and shared problem-solving.

In politics, internationalists favor multilateral institutions, international law, and policies that transcend narrow national interests, such as humanitarian aid, climate cooperation, and diplomacy. The term has historical roots in 19th and 20th century labor and socialist movements, and it has been associated with "internationalism" as promoted by the International Workingmen's Association and later the League of Nations and United Nations.

In economics and culture, internationalists support cross-border exchange, global production networks, and cultural collaboration. They may promote global governance mechanisms, fair trade, and efforts to reduce global inequality.

Related concepts include cosmopolitanism and global citizenship; while overlaps exist, internationalism typically emphasizes formal cooperation between states and organizations, rather than individual ethical duty alone. The term is also used to describe activists, scholars, or artists who work across borders.

Critics argue that internationalism can undermine national sovereignty or accountability, while supporters view it as essential for addressing transnational challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and security threats.