interventionism
C1Formal, Academic, Political
Definition
Meaning
A policy of intervening in the affairs of other countries, especially in political or economic matters, or a policy of government interference in economic affairs at home.
A doctrine or practice advocating for active involvement by a government, organization, or individual in situations, often to influence outcomes, correct perceived problems, or assert authority. This can apply to international relations, domestic economics, social policy, or even personal situations.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically has a negative connotation when used by critics of such policies. It implies an active, deliberate, and often unwelcome interference. The term is most strongly associated with foreign policy and economics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
Slightly more common in US political discourse due to historical debates over the Monroe Doctrine and later foreign policy. In the UK, it often appears in discussions of the EU or post-colonial foreign policy.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in political/academic contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun] is a form of interventionism.They advocate for/against interventionism.The government's interventionism in the market...A policy of interventionism led to...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A creeping interventionism (slowly increasing involvement)”
- “The heavy hand of interventionism”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to excessive government regulation or control in markets, e.g., 'Investors feared the new administration's economic interventionism.'
Academic
A key term in political science, international relations, and economic history, e.g., 'The paper critiques neoliberal arguments against state interventionism.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used in political discussions, e.g., 'He's always talking about American interventionism overseas.'
Technical
In medicine/psychology, can refer to a proactive treatment philosophy, but this is less common than the political meaning.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister was accused of seeking to intervene in sovereign affairs, a classic move towards interventionism.
- They argue the state should not intervene so heavily; such interventionism is outdated.
American English
- The administration intervened militarily, a decision critics labeled as blatant interventionism.
- He believes in intervening in the economy, a philosophy of interventionism.
adverb
British English
- The government acted interventionistically, bypassing the usual regulatory channels.
- (Note: This form is very rare and stylistically marked.)
American English
- They argued the country should not engage interventionistically in every global conflict.
- (Note: This form is very rare and stylistically marked.)
adjective
British English
- The interventionist policies of the government were hotly debated in parliament.
- He holds interventionist views on foreign policy.
American English
- The senator's interventionist stance put him at odds with his party's isolationists.
- Their interventionist approach to the market crisis was controversial.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some people think interventionism in other countries is wrong.
- The president's policy was a kind of economic interventionism.
- Historical debates often centre on the merits of isolationism versus interventionism.
- Critics accused the government of creeping interventionism in the digital sector.
- The doctrine of humanitarian interventionism challenges the traditional principle of state sovereignty.
- His thesis examines the shift from laissez-faire economics to state interventionism in the early 20th century.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a teacher constantly INTERVENING in a group project, telling students what to do. That teacher's policy is INTERVENTIONISM.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT/STATE AS A PARENT (who must step in to correct or guide).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with simple 'вмешательство' (interference) which is broader and can be informal. 'Интервенционизм' is a direct cognate but is a formal, systemic policy. Avoid using it for a single act of intervention.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe a single, isolated intervention (use 'an intervention'). Confusing it with 'interactionism' (a sociological theory). Spelling: 'interventialism' or 'intervensionism' are incorrect.
Practice
Quiz
In economic context, interventionism is most directly opposed to which philosophy?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While it is the standard descriptive term, it is often used pejoratively by critics. Proponents might use more positive terms like 'active engagement' or 'strategic involvement'.
'An intervention' is a single act of interfering (e.g., a medical intervention). 'Interventionism' is the consistent policy or doctrine of frequently engaging in such acts.
Yes. While strongly associated with foreign policy, it is commonly used to describe government involvement in the domestic economy (e.g., price controls, nationalisation).
'Interventionist' (e.g., an interventionist foreign policy).
Collections
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Political Theory
C2 · 44 words · Advanced vocabulary for political science and theory.