Isolationist Sentiment

Definition

Isolationist sentiment refers to the belief that a country should refrain from involvement in international affairs and focus on its own domestic issues. This was particularly prevalent in US history during periods such as after World War I.

Analogy

Imagine you're at a party where everyone is arguing about what music to play next. Instead of joining in the argument, you decide it's best for your peace of mind if you just put on your headphones and listen to your own playlist. That's isolationism - focusing on your own needs instead of getting involved in external disputes.

Related terms

Foreign Policy: A government's strategy in dealing with other nations.

Non-interventionism: The diplomatic policy whereby a nation seeks to avoid alliances with other nations in order to avoid being drawn into wars not related to direct territorial self-defense.

Neutrality Acts: Laws passed by Congress in the 1930s designed specifically to keep the United States out of escalating European conflicts.