Internationalist: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：advocate of global cooperation (internationalist)

internationalist 🔊

/ˌɪn.təˈnæʃ.ən.əl.ɪst/

A person who believes countries should work together, help each other, and maintain peace, caring for global issues as well as their own nation's interests.

Internationalist concept illustration: diverse group discussing global cooperation around world map

advocate of global cooperation 🔊

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/ˈæd.və.kət əv ˈɡloʊ.bəl koʊˌɑː.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/

An individual who advocates for political, economic, and social cooperation between nations, emphasizing shared global responsibilities over purely national interests.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

inter- (between) + nation + -al + -ist (person)

💡 Mnemonic

An INTER-nationalIST believes nations should INTER-act and co-EXIST.

📖 Example

At the climate conference, the young activist spoke like a true internationalist, stressing our shared responsibility for the planet. 🔊 At the climate conference, the young activist demonstrated an internationalist perspective by emphasizing our collective duty to the Earth.

🔗 Collocations

ardent internationalist – a fervent believer in global cooperation

internationalist perspective – a viewpoint prioritizing global interconnectedness

internationalist movement – an organized effort promoting global unity

🔄 Synonyms

globalist (n.) – A person who advocates for the interpretation of events from a worldwide rather than a national perspective, sometimes with a focus on economic integration.

cosmopolitan (n.) – A person who is familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures.

one-worlder (n.) – An advocate for global political unity or federation (less common).

🚫 Antonyms

nationalist (n.) – A person with strong identification with their own nation and vigorous support for its interests.

isolationist (n.) – A person favoring a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other countries.

chauvinist (n.) – A person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism.

🌱 Derivatives

internationalism (n.) – The principle of cooperation among nations for mutual benefit.

internationalistic (adj.) – Relating to or characteristic of internationalism.

📖 Cultural Story

The term emerged in the 19th century, gaining prominence with the rise of international organizations and movements. It became particularly associated with ideologies opposing nationalism and promoting transnational cooperation, notably after the establishment of the League of Nations following World War I.