Encyclopedia Entries

Showing 1–10 of 11 results

  • Term

    Passport

    A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports.

  • People

    Patricia Roberts Harris

    Birth May 31, 1924 Death March 23, 1985 RECOGNITION/ACHIEVEMENT First African American woman to serve as an Ambassador Role/Rank Ambassador Biography Patricia Roberts showed a…

  • Term

    Persona non grata

    A Latin phrase meaning “unwelcome person.” As a legal term, it refers to the practice of a state prohibiting a diplomat from entering the country as a diplomat, or censuring a diplomat already resident in the country for conduct unbecoming of the status of a diplomat.

  • Term

    Plenipotentiary

    A diplomat possessing full powers (i.e. to sign a treaty)

  • Term

    Political Appointee

    A person who is not a career foreign service officer and is instead appointed by the president

  • Practices

    Poverty

    The Department of State recognizes the importance of providing impoverished communities with tools to move from poverty to productivity. U.S. ambassadors and their embassies throughout Africa are…

  • Term

    Presented Credentials

    The date that the ambassador presents their letter of credence to the head of state or appropriate authority in the receiving nation officially making them the representative of their country.

  • Practices

    Promoting Trade

    The Department of State’s Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs is devoted to providing technical expertise in regional and bilateral trade negotiations including labor, environment, services,…

  • Term

    Protectorate

    A Protectorate, or protected state when referring to a territory subject to this arrangement, is an autonomous territory that is protected diplomatically or militarily against third parties by a stronger state or entity. The protectorate retains formal sovereignty and remains a state under international law, but in exchange for this, they usually accept specified obligations that vary depending on the nature of their relationship.

  • Term

    Protocol

    Refers to the ceremonial side of diplomacy, including matters of diplomatic courtesy and precedence.