Is there a justification for the us to engage in unilateral rather than multilateral military action overseas

This is of course a somewhat subjective question, but most would agree that it is generally not acceptable for the US to engage in unilateral rather than multilateral military action overseas, unless there is a direct threat to the safety of the US, since there is almost always collateral damage in these attacks. 

The embargo act of 1807  was a law passed by the united state congress and signed by president thomas jefferson on december 22,  1807. it prohibited american ships from trading in all foreign ports. in 1806, france passed a law that prohibited trade between neutral parties, like the u.s., and britain.