Bilateral lines appear in natural formations such as biological structures.
Unlike other types of lines --- parallel lines, for example --- bilateral lines do not conform to a specific mathematical definition governed by spatial relationships. Rather, the definition of a bilateral line depends upon the context of the term's use. The term applies to biological and geometric situations, political relationships and lines of economic connectivity, and it means something different in each of these applications. All uses of the term bilateral lines relate to the definition of the word bilateral.
Bilateral
The meaning of the word "bilateral" lies in the meanings of its compositional words, "bi" and "lateral." "Bi" denotes the presence of two separate elements, while "lateral" refers to something happening on the lateral, or sideways, plane, be it sideways movement or the sides of an object. Thus, the word bilateral refers to something with two sides. This relatively vague definition leaves usage of the term open to interpretation, which leads to varying definitions of the term bilateral lines.
Biology and Geometry
Organisms with two identical halves exhibit a biological quality known as bilateral symmetry. Most complex animals such as mammals, arachnids, birds and amphibians exhibit this quality. In geometry, shapes such as circles, squares and isosceles triangles, or those with identical sides, exhibit bilateral symmetry. In this context, a bilateral line refers to the line that, when drawn, divides a shape or organism into its identical halves. This line cuts through the lateral axis of a shape or organism.
Trade
Bilateral lines of trade refer to situations in which trade moves in two directions, between two nations, states, counties or any other two sociopolitical entities. Unilateral lines of trade, on the other hand, exist when a state trades to another state that does not trade back. The United States, for example, maintains bilateral lines of trade with developed nations and unilateral lines of trade with developing nations with important resources like minerals, gem stones and coffee. Multilateral trade lines exists when a complex network of trading exists.
Credit Systems
Bilateral lines also exist in credit systems. A bilateral line of credit occurs when two financial institutions extend equal amounts of credit to one another in a system of reciprocity. For example, two banks may extend a bilateral line of credit to cover the period during which checks are clearing and a bank doesn't have enough physical money reserves to cover all its assets. In such a situation, banks arrange the check-cashing process so that no overlap exists. This secures the assets of both banks by allowing one to extend credit to the other for a set period and then the other to extend credit to the first during a different period. Bilateral credit can also exist between international agencies and even governments.
Politics
Bilateral lines in politics exist between two nations. A bilateral line refers to a line of communication between parties that enter into political discourse or agreements as equals. Unilateral lines of political discourse, by contrast, exist when one nation, state or other political entity makes demands upon another or makes decisions with no input from third party sources. Multilateralism in politics occurs when more than two parties or nations enter into political discourse as equals. Bilateral lines often lead to bilateral treaties or agreements that benefit both parties of the discourse.
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