Meaning and usage of the word unilateralism in English

The term "unilateralism" originated in late 19th century Europe, particularly in Germany and France. It emerged as a response to the increasing dominance of British Imperialism and the Meiji Restoration in Japan. In the early 20th century, the League of Nations and the Kellogg-Briand Pact emphasized the importance of collective security and diplomacy, which challenged the concept of unilateralism. The term gained widespread use during the Cold War era, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, as the United States began to assert its global leadership and interests through solo actions, such as the Vietnam War and the development of the neutron bomb. Critics argued that these actions were examples of unilateralism, as they bypassed international treaties, institutions, and coalitions. Today, unilateralism is often associated with claims of "American exceptionalism" and criticisms of the United States' foreign policy, particularly during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Donald Trump. However, the concept of unilateralism has antecedents dating back to the 19th century and continues to be relevant in contemporary international relations.