Diplomacy

How it is used

The basic word of the field. You 'conduct' or 'engage in' diplomacy, and many types are named with a modifier: public, economic, cultural or quiet diplomacy. In everyday English it also means tact.

Example sentences

1. Both governments say they want to solve the dispute through diplomacy.

2. Quiet diplomacy behind closed doors often achieves more than public statements.

3. She studied diplomacy in Geneva before joining the foreign service.

Common collocations

• conduct diplomacy
• quiet diplomacy
• through diplomacy
• multilateral diplomacy
• shuttle diplomacy

Related terms

• diplomatAn official who represents their country abroad or in international organisations, handling relations, negotiations and the protection of their country's interests and citizens.
• foreign policyA government's goals and strategies for dealing with other countries and international organisations, and the decisions it takes to pursue them.
• negotiationFormal discussion between parties who are trying to reach an agreement, in which each side presents its position, makes proposals and may accept compromises.
• public diplomacyEfforts by a government to inform and influence people in other countries directly, through media, culture, education and exchanges, not only through other governments.
• economic diplomacyThe use of diplomatic tools and networks to support a country's economic interests, such as trade, investment, energy deals and access to foreign markets.

More terms: Diplomacy & Embassies

• embassy
• ambassador
• consulate
• foreign ministry
• diplomatic relations
• diplomatic immunity
• envoy
• protocol
• persona non grata
• chargé d'affaires
• credentials
• attaché