I.

Introduction

Isolationism, policy where a nation’s interests are best served if the nation secludes itself from other nations and avoids forming alliances with them. Isolationism has been practiced by various countries throughout history, including Japan, China, and the United States. Japan followed a policy of isolationism for hundreds of years before forming an alliance with Britain in 1902. More recently, China followed an isolationist policy during much of the Cultural Revolution of 1966 to 1976.

The United States has a history of isolationism dating back to its earliest days as a republic, before the 13 colonies won their independence. Today, some political leaders favor isolationism and isolationist sentiment can be found in American society. Isolationist sentiment in the United States has been largely confined to the political arena and has not extended to commercial relationships with other nations.