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diplomacy

dih-PLOH-muh-see dɪˈploʊməsi

nounB2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formal

The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations through negotiation and tact.

Focuses on peaceful dialogue, negotiation, and delicate tact to resolve geopolitical conflict.

The story behind the word. From Greek 'diploma' meaning a folded document or passport granted to travelers by official state decree. In the 18th century, managing official documents and archives evolved into the discipline of 'diplomacy'.

Word relationships

negotiation: Negotiation is the act of bargaining; diplomacy is the entire art and framework of foreign relations.
tact: Tact is personal sensitivity; diplomacy is tact applied to international politics and strategic statecraft.

hostility: Open antagonism without willingness to negotiate.
belligerence: Aggressive readiness to wage war.

Commonly confused with

statecraft: Statecraft includes both internal governance and foreign affairs; diplomacy focuses primarily on foreign affairs.

Word family

diplomat (noun): An official representing a country abroad.
diplomatic (adjective): Relating to diplomacy or tactful handling of affairs.
diplomatically (adverb): In a tactful or diplomatic manner.

Collocations

shuttle diplomacy
quiet diplomacy
multilateral diplomacy
resort to diplomacy

Example sentences

"Through patient diplomacy, the envoys prevented the border confrontation from escalating into war." International Peacebuilding
"Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way." Statecraft Quote

Memory hook

DIPLOMA (folded official paper) = Given to diplomats conducting international business. Diplomacy = Managing foreign affairs through tact.

When not to use

Do not confuse with domestic political debate or military force.

Fun facts

The term 'ping-pong diplomacy' was coined in 1971 when table tennis matches helped thaw US-China relations.