Encyclopedia Entries

Showing 1–10 of 11 results

  • Term

    Sanctions

    A form of hard power, these are coercive measures taken by one or more states to protest another state’s actions and to force a change of behavior. Although sanctions may technically include military action, they usually refer to measures taken by diplomats in lieu of military action. Diplomatically, sanctions may include the breaking of formal relations or the removal of a country’s embassy. Other forms include economic sanctions to ban certain types of trade, and sports sanctions to prevent a country’s people and teams from competing in international events.

  • Term

    Secretary (third, second, first)

    The diplomatic rank of officers posted overseas

  • Term

    Secretary of State

    The head of the State Department who is responsible for foreign affairs

  • Practices

    Securing the Skies

    The Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs’ Transportation Affairs division at the Department of State is the unit primarily responsible for negotiating Open Skies…

  • Term

    Smart power

    The flexible and combined use of hard power – military force or economic sanctions – and soft power – diplomatic and cultural influence – to overcome a foreign policy challenge.

  • Term

    Sovereignty

    Supreme and independent power or authority in government as possessed or claimed by a state or community

  • Practices

    Sports Envoys

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of…

  • Term

    Stalemate

    Any position or situation in which no action can be taken or progress made; deadlock.

  • Term

    State Visit

    A formal visit from one head of state to a foreign country by the invitation of the head of state of that country.

  • Term

    Summit

    A formally arranged meeting of heads of governments.