Encyclopedia Entries

Showing all 8 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Term

    Public Diplomacy

    Diplomatic outreach and engagement intended to affect public opinion in a foreign country to further U.S. foreign policy objectives