Which term describes relations between two states?

• A. Multilateralism
• B. Bilateralism
• C. Supranationalism
• D. Internationalism

Answer: (B)

Bilateralism describes relations between two states. The word itself comes from “bi,” meaning two, and captures how diplomacy, trade, defense, and other interactions happen directly between a pair of countries. For example, when Canada and the United States negotiate a border agreement or a bilateral trade deal, that’s bilateralism in action.

In contrast, multilateralism involves many states working together, often through international organizations or treaties with multiple parties. Supranationalism goes a step further by transferring some decision-making authority to a shared international institution. Internationalism is a broader idea about cooperation among nations and can include both bilateral and multilateral efforts. So when the focus is specifically on relations between two states, Bilateralism is the precise term.