DictionaryaxisPolitical alliance
noun / proper noun

axis

An alliance organized around shared objectives.

The two governments form an axis around their shared economic interests.

Etymology

Latin axis named an axle, the central line around which a wheel turns. Political use adopts that organizing image for an alliance around which shared policies or objectives are arranged.

More examples

  • Germany, Italy, and Japan led the Axis during World War II.
  • A new political axis emerged between the neighboring states.
  • The report examines competing regional axes of cooperation.

Forms

axis · axes

Similar words

alliance
Is the general term for cooperation among states or groups.
bloc
Usually suggests a larger group acting together on shared interests.