What is the term for a group of countries working together to achieve a common goal?

The term "coalition" refers specifically to a group of countries, organizations, or entities that come together to achieve a shared goal or to work towards a common purpose. Coalitions are often formed to tackle specific issues, such as humanitarian crises, environmental challenges, or military actions, and they can be temporary or long-term arrangements.

In this context, a coalition is particularly emphasized because it implies a collaboration among separate jurisdictions that retain their independence while cooperating towards a collective objective. This distinguishes it from other terms like "alliance," which generally denotes a broader, often military partnership that may involve deeper integrations, or "federation," which refers to a formal union of states or political entities with a centralized government. "Union" typically suggests a closer, more permanent association among the parties involved, sometimes indicating a merging of identities or governance, which might not fully encapsulate the temporary or issue-based nature of a coalition. Thus, in the context of working towards a common goal, "coalition" is the most accurate term.