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  • Term

    Non-governmental organization

    A private institution that is independent of the government.

  • Term

    Official

    A member of the civil/foreign service or of an international organization. This individual participates in the exercise of authority.

  • Term

    Operations Center

    The Operations Center (Ops Center) is the Secretary's and the Department's communications and crisis management center. Working 24 hours a day, the Operations Center monitors world events, prepares briefings for the Secretary and other Department principals, and facilitates communication between the Department and the rest of the world. The Operations Center also coordinates the Department's response to crises and supports task forces, monitoring groups, and other crisis-related activities.

  • 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.