Definition

1. Noun:
   • The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country's representatives abroad: This is the primary meaning, referring to the conduct of negotiations and relations between nations.
   • Tact and skill in dealing with people, especially in sensitive situations: This meaning extends the concept to personal interactions, emphasizing careful and considerate handling of people or issues.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (International Relations):
  • International diplomacy is crucial for maintaining peace.
  • She has a long career in diplomacy, having served as an ambassador to three countries.
• Noun (Tactful Skill):
  • He handled the angry customer with great diplomacy.
  • Solving this office dispute will require patience and diplomacy.

Advanced Usage

• "Shuttle diplomacy": Intensive diplomatic negotiations where a mediator travels repeatedly between the involved parties.
  • The envoy engaged in shuttle diplomacy to broker a ceasefire.
• "Ping-pong diplomacy": A historical term referring to the exchange of table tennis players between the United States and China in the 1970s, which helped ease relations.
  • Ping-pong diplomacy was a pivotal moment in Sino-American relations.
• "Gunboat diplomacy": The pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of naval power, implying a threat of warfare.
  • The 19th century was marked by instances of gunboat diplomacy.

Variants and Related Words

• Diplomat (n): An official representing a country abroad.
  • The diplomat presented his credentials to the host government.
• Diplomatic (adj):
  • Pertaining to diplomacy or diplomats.

    • They resolved the issue through diplomatic channels.
  • Tactful and skillful in dealing with others.

    • Her diplomatic response avoided causing offense.
• Diplomatically (adv): In a diplomatic manner.
  • He phrased his criticism very diplomatically.

Synonyms

• Statecraft: The skillful management of state affairs.
• Tact: Adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
• Negotiation: Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.

Related Phrases

• "Diplomatic immunity": A privilege from legal jurisdiction granted to diplomats, ensuring they are not subject to the host country's laws.
  • The ambassador could not be arrested due to diplomatic immunity.
• "Diplomatic corps": The body of diplomats accredited to a particular country.
  • The diplomatic corps attended the state dinner.
• "Diplomatic relations": The customary diplomatic intercourse between nations.
  • The two countries established full diplomatic relations.

Noun

1. wisdom in the management of public affairs
2. subtly skillful handling of a situation
3. negotiation between nations