Encyclopedia Entries

Showing 11–20 of 111 results

  • Term

    Asylum

    To receive asylum is to receive protection from another nation, in some cases one’s own nation. This can occur by allowing individuals to find refuge within the grounds of an embassy (not generally done in American embassies); and when one state allows someone to live within its borders, out of reach of the authority of a second state from which the person seeks protection.

  • Term

    Attaché

    An official assigned to a diplomatic mission or embassy. Usually, this person has advanced expertise in a specific field, such as agriculture, commerce, or the military.

  • Term

    Belligerency

    A state of belligerency is a state of armed conflict. Belligerents are direct participants in the conflict.

  • Term

    Bilateral

    Bilateral discussions, negotiations, or treaties are between a sovereign state and one other entity, either another sovereign state or an international organization. The relationship between two nations is referred to as a bilateral relationship.

  • Term

    Bloc

    A group of nations united by treaty or for the purposes of an agreement for mutual support in policies in one or more areas

  • Term

    Blockade

    The isolation of a warring nation of an enemy area (such as a harbor) by troops or warships in order to prevent the passage of people or supplies. Any ships or aircrafts attempting to pass the blockade will be seized

  • Term

    Breaking relations

    The formal act of severing diplomatic relations with another nation to underscore disapproval of its actions or policies. It is only done under severe situations.

  • Term

    Bureau

    An office department; The basic organization unit of the Department of State headed by an assistant secretary.

  • Term

    Cable

    A written report exchanged between diplomatic missions, such as a consulate or an embassy, and the State Department

  • Term

    Chancery

    The office space where the Chief of Mission and his staff work. This office is sometimes called the embassy, but, technically, the embassy refers to the diplomatic delegation itself.