Definition
Isolationism is a stance in foreign policy that seeks to limit a country's involvement in international affairs — particularly military alliances and foreign wars — in favor of focusing on domestic concerns. It is not the same as total withdrawal: isolationist states often still trade, but they avoid binding political and security commitments abroad.
The term is closely associated with periods of United States policy, especially between the two World Wars, but similar postures appear in many countries seeking to stay clear of great-power competition.
Why it matters
How it works
Isolationism rests on the judgment that the costs of foreign entanglement — wars, treaties, defense spending — outweigh the benefits, and that security is best served by staying out of others' quarrels. It tends to be appealing when a country feels geographically protected, war-weary, or focused on internal development. The policy is fragile, however: a direct attack, an economic threat, or the collapse of a favorable balance of power can quickly convince a public and its leaders that engagement is now unavoidable. History shows isolationist eras repeatedly giving way to active involvement once threats appear.