Isolationism

Isolationism is a foreign policy stance that seeks to minimize a state's involvement in international affairs, including military alliances and overseas commitments, while prioritizing domestic concerns. It is distinct from neutrality, which aims to avoid taking sides in a conflict, and from nonalignment, which aims to avoid formal blocs while engaging with multiple sides. Isolationist approaches may be political, economic, or strategic, and they range from strict nonparticipation to selective engagement on issues deemed vital to national interests.

Historically, isolationism has appeared in various forms. In the United States, late-19th and early-20th century debates about entangling alliances and overseas commitments fostered isolationist sentiment, culminating in strict neutrality during much of the interwar period. Economic isolationism has included tariffs and calls for autarkic policies. External examples include Japan’s sakoku policy (though not labeled isolationist by term today) and Sweden’s long-standing neutrality, both illustrating nonbelligerent stances during certain periods. Non-alignment in other states during the Cold War shows similar tendencies to avoid blocs while maintaining sovereignty.

Critics argue that isolationism can invite vulnerability to coercion, undermine global stability, and hinder cooperation on transnational issues such as trade, climate, and security. Proponents contend that it protects sovereignty, reduces military risks, and allows focus on domestic priorities. In contemporary discourse, isolationism is often used as a label for calls—whether for policy restraint, reform of international commitments, or selective engagement rather than total withdrawal.