DIPLOMATIC DICTIONARY

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A
ACCESSION
The procedure by which a nation becomes a party to an agreement
already in force between other nations.
ACCORDS
International agreements originally thought to be for lesser subjects than
those covered by treaties, but now really treaties by a different name.
AMBASSADOR
The chief of a diplomatic mission; the ranking official diplomatic
representative of a country to the country to which s/he is appointed, and
the personal representative of his/her own head of state to the head of
state of the host country. Ambassador is capitalized when referring to a
specific person (i.e., Ambassador Smith)
AMERICAN PRESENCE POSTS (APP)
A special purpose overseas post with limited staffing and responsibilities,
established as a consulate under the Vienna Convention. APPs are located
cities outside the capital that are important but do not host a U.S.
consulate. Typically these posts do not have any consular services on site,
so the APPs activities are limited or narrowly focused on priorities such as
public outreach, business facilitation, and issue advocacy. Examples of
American Presence Posts include: Bordeaux, France; Winnipeg, Canada;
Medan, Indonesia and Busan, Korea.
ARMS CONTROL
Arms Control refers to controlling the amount or nature of weapons-such
as the number of nuclear weapons or the nature of their delivery vehicles
-- a specific nation is allowed to have at a specific time.

ATTACH
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.
ASYLUM
To receive asylum is to receive protection from another nation, in some
cases ones 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.
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B
BELLIGERENCY
A state of belligerency is a state of armed conflict. Belligerents are direct
participants in the conflict.
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.
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.
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C
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.
CHARG DAFFAIRES

Formerly, a charg d'affaires was the title of a chief of mission, inferior in

rank to an ambassador or a minister. It is still used as the title of the head
of a US mission where the US and other nation do not have full diplomatic
relations. Today with the a.i. (ad interim) added, it designates the senior
officer taking charge for the interval when a chief of mission is absent
from his/her post or the position is vacant.
CHIEF OF MISSION
Usually called an ambassador, this is the ranking officer in an embassy or
permanent mission and the personal representative of the head of state of
his/her nation.
COMMUNIQU
A brief public summary statement issued following important bilateral or
multilateral meetings.
CONCILIATION
An effort to achieve agreement and, it is hoped, increased goodwill
between two opposed parties.
CONVENTION
An agreement between two or more states, often concerning matters of
common interest such as commerce.
COUNTRY DESK
The Department of State has an office for each country with whom the
U.S. shares diplomatic relations. These offices are often called country
desks, and if a large country is involved, the desk is likely to be staffed by
a large number of officers. A smaller country may require a one-officer
desk only.
COUNTRY TEAM
An interagency group made up of the heads of each State Department
section in the embassy and the heads of the other U.S. government
agencies represented at post. The country team meeting represents a
regular occasion for the sharing of information among sections and
agencies, and an opportunity to coordinate activities.
CREDENTIALS
The name for letters given to an ambassador by his/her chief of state, and
addressed to the chief of state of the host country. They are delivered to
the latter by the ambassador in a formal credentials ceremony, which
generally takes place shortly after his/her arrival at a new post. Until this
ceremony has taken place s/he is not formally recognized by the host
country and cannot officially act as an ambassador. The letters are termed

"letters of credence" because they request the receiving chief of state to

give "full credence" to what the ambassador will say of behalf of his/her
government.
CONSULATE
An office that is part of an embassy or established by one nation in an
important city of another nation for the purpose of supporting and
protecting its citizens traveling or residing there. In addition, these offices
are charged with performing other important duties such as issuing visas
(where this is required) to host country nationals wishing to travel to the
country the consulate represents. All consulates, whether located in the
capital city or in other communities, are administratively under the
ambassador and the embassy.
CONVENTION
An assembly of persons who meet for a common purpose especially a
meeting of delegates for the purpose of formulating a written agreement
on specific issues. The word also refers to the written agreement itself.
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D
DEFECTION
When an official gives up his or her allegiance to one state in preference
for another, usually because of disagreement over government policy,
often immigrating to or seeking asylum in the new state. Defecting
generally indicates a desire to participate in opposition or political activity
that is illegal or impossible in the original country, differentiating it from a
simple change in citizenship.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The oldest and head agency in the Presidents cabinet. The Secretary of
State leads the Department of State in carrying out the President's foreign
policies. The Department was initially founded as the Department of
Foreign Affairs in 1781 and then renamed in 1789 in the Constitution as
the Department of State.
DIPLOMACY
The art and practice of conducting negotiations and maintaining relations
between nations; skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility.
DIPLOMAT
A diplomat is one employed or skilled in diplomacy.

DIPLOMATIC COURIER
A member of a diplomatic service entrusted with bearing messages is
referred to as a diplomatic courier.
DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY
The formal protection given to diplomats by their host country which
shields them from prosecution or arrest. It also allows freedom of
movement and is considered customary worldwide except in special
circumstances.
DISARMAMENT
Disarmament refers to the practice of removing or destroying already
created weapons.
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E
EMBASSY
The diplomatic delegation from one country to another. Embassy is often
used to refer to the chancery containing the office of the chief of
mission, or ambassador and other buildings for the offices of diplomatic
staff.
EMBARGO
An embargo is an order of a government prohibiting the departure of
commercial ships and other vehicles from its ports. It is a legal prohibition
on commerce.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Every Foreign Service post is required to have an operative Emergency
Action Plan (EAP) with procedures in place to respond to emergencies
such as natural disaster, civil unrest, a pandemic or mass casualties. The
post EAP is a living document, updated on a continuous basis, and
comprehensively reviewed once a year. Diplomatic missions are also
required to run mock emergency training drills (usually, an intense two
day session every two years) to test their capabilities and the relevance of
their EAPs.
ENVOY
In the past a diplomatic minister who was accredited to a foreign
government and who ranked between an ambassador and a resident
minister was also called "envoy extraordinary". Today, the term is

generally synonymous with diplomat, or in the case of a Special Envoy, a

person sent to deal with a specific issue.
ESPIONAGE
The collection of classified or secret information by a foreign individual for
his or her native government or governmental agency.
EXTRADITION
The legal process by which an accused or confirmed criminal is
transferred from one country to another. Generally, treaties signed
between governments determine the precise requirements, rules, and
exemptions for transferring suspected criminals from one sovereign legal
authority to another.
EXPULSION
The formal deportation of a diplomat, often as a form of protest against
the diplomats home country or as a result of actions by the diplomat,
such as espionage.
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F
FOREIGN AID
Assistance (often in the form of economic aid) provided by one nation to
another.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The relations among states within the international system, including the
roles of states and international organizations; can also include the roles
of non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations.
FOREIGN POLICY
In the United States, the plan or strategy that the President and senior
policymakers define and establish to achieve national objectives and
interests.
FORMAL DIPLOMACY
This is government-to-government diplomacy also called Track I
Diplomacy that goes through formal, traditional channels of
communication to communicate with foreign governments (written
documents, meetings, summits, diplomatic visits, etc). This type of
diplomacy is conducted by diplomats of one nation with diplomats and
other officials of another nation or international organization.
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I
INFORMAL DIPLOMACY
Informal diplomacy includes Public Diplomacy which involves governmentto-people diplomacy and reaching out to non-executive branch officials
and the broader public, particularly opinion-shapers, in foreign countries,
explaining both foreign policy and the national context out of which that
policy arises. Public Diplomacy is carried out by both diplomats and, under
their programs and auspices, non-officials such as academic scholars,
journalists, experts in various fields, members of non-governmental
organizations, public figures such as state and local government officials,
and social activists.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
An organization with an international membership, mission, or presence.
There are two main types: International nongovernmental organizations
(INGOs) are nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that operate
internationally, such as the International Olympic Committee or the
International Committee of the Red Cross. Intergovernmental
organizations, also known as international governmental organizations
(IGOs), the type of organization most closely associated with the term
"international organization" are organizations that are made up primarily
of sovereign states (referred to as member states). Examples include the
United Nations; NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization); OAS
(Organization of American States); APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation); ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations); and the
WTO (World Trade Organization).
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L
LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF
Staff that work at a Foreign Service post (Embassy/Consulate/Mission)
abroad. The overwhelming majority are citizens of the country the post is
located in, but some are American citizens living in the country and family
members of Foreign Service Officers and other full time USG employees
who are assigned to a post. More than 53,000 Locally Employed Staff work

at U.S. Missions around the world. They provide local expertise, language
skills, continuity and contacts within the host country. They are
indispensible full-fledged members of our American missions abroad.
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M
MISSION
A diplomatic representation to an international organization. Mission is
also used to refer to an embassy.
MINISTERIAL
A formally arranged meeting of ministers of various states, such as the
Defense or Foreign Ministers of the member states of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization.
MULTILATERAL
Involving more than two nations (which would be bilateral). International
organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization,
and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, are
multilateral in nature.
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N
NEGOTIATION
Discussion between the representatives of two or more parties intended
to reach a compromise on a disputed topic of interest. Governmental
negotiations can be bilateral (between two states or between a state and
a non-state entity, such as an International Organization or NonGovernmental Organization) or multilateral.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
A private institution that is independent of the government.
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O
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.
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P
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.
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.
PROTOCOL
Refers to the ceremonial side of diplomacy, including matters of
diplomatic courtesy and precedence.
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R
RATIFICATION
To approve and sanction formally, as with a treaty.
RECOGNITION
Commonly used in connection with the recognition by one state of the
existence of another state (for example when a new one is formed), or the
existence of a government which is in effective control of a state.
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S
SANCTIONS
A form of hard power, these are coercive measures taken by one or more
states to protest another states 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 countrys embassy. Other forms include economic
sanctions to ban certain types of trade, and sports sanctions to prevent a
countrys people and teams from competing in international events.
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.
SUMMIT
A formally arranged meeting of heads of governments.
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T
TREATY
An agreement or arrangement made by negotiation; a contract in writing
between two or more political authorities such as sovereign states,
formally signed by authorized representatives, and usually approved by
the legislature of the state.

V
VISA
A document issued by a country giving an individual permission to
formally request entrance to the country during a given period of time and
for certain purposes and usually stamped or glued inside a passport, or
sometimes issued as separate pieces of paper.

http://glossary.usip.org/resource/diplomacy

Home > New Diplomat

Glossary of Diplomatic Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M NO P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Accession
The procedure by which a nation becomes a party to an agreement already in force between other nations
Accords
International agreements originally thought to be for lesser subjects than covered by treaties , but now really
treaties by a different name.
Ad Referendum
An agreement reached ad referendum means an agreement reached by negotiators at the table, subject to the
subsequent concurrence of their governments.

Agrment
Diplomatic courtesy requires that before a state appoints a new chief of diplomatic mission to represent it in
another state, it must be first ascertained whether the proposed appointee is acceptable to the receiving state. Th
acquiescence of the receiving state is signified by its granting its agrment to the appointment. It is unusual for
agrment to be refused, but it occasionally happens.

Aide Mmoire
A written summary of the key points made by a diplomat in an official conversation. Literally, a document left w
the other party to the conversation, either at the time of the conversation or subsequently, as an aid to memory.

Alternat
When an agreement is signed between two states, or among several states, each signatory keeps an official copy
itself. Alternat refers to the principle which provides that a states own name will be listed ahead of the other
signatory, or signatories, in its own official copy. It is a practice devised centuries ago to handle sensitivities ov
precedence.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

The chief of a diplomatic mission; the ranking official diplomatic representative of his country to the country to
which he is accredited, and the personal representative of his own head of state to the head of state of the host
country. The term "extraordinary" has no real meaning. Years ago it was given only to nonresident ambassadors
temporary missions and was used to distinguish them from regular resident ambassadors. The latter resented oth
having this appellation, as it seemed to imply a lesser position for themselves. Eventually therefore, it was
accorded to them as well. "Plenipotentiary" also comes down through the years. Today it simply means possess

Glossary
For trade-related terms see the WTO glossary [external link]
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A
Accession

The procedure by which a nation becomes a party to an

agreement already in force between other nations

Accords

International agreements originally thought to be for lesser

subjects than covered by treaties, but now really treaties by a
different name

Accredited

When a diplomatic mission based in one country is the

concurrent representative to two or more countries

Ad Referendum

An agreement reached ad referendum means an agreement

reached by negotiators at the table, subject to the subsequent
concurrence of their governments

Agrment

Diplomatic courtesy requires that before a state appoints a new

head of a diplomatic mission to represent it in another state, it
must first ascertain whether the proposed appointee is
acceptable to the receiving state. The agreement of the
receiving state is signified by its granting its agrment to the
appointment. It is unusual for an agrment to be refused, but
it occasionally happens

Aide Memoire

A written summary of the key points made by a diplomat in an

official conversation. Literally, a document left with the other
party to the conversation, either at the time of the
conversation or subsequently, as an aid to memory

Alternat

When an agreement is signed between two states, or among

several states, each signatory keeps an official copy for itself.
The term alternat refers to the principle which provides that a
states own name will be listed ahead of the other signatory, or
signatories, in its own official copy. It is a practice devised
centuries ago to handle sensitivities over precedence

Ambassador

A diplomat or an official envoy accredited to a foreign

government as the official resident representative of his/her
own government; or an official appointed for a special, usually
temporary, diplomatic assignment. In Commonwealth countries
the senior diplomatic representatives of other Commonwealth
countries are called high commissioners

Ambassador-Designate

An official who has been named to be an ambassador, but who

has not yet presented his/her credentials to the authorities of
the receiving state

Asylum

Used in diplomacy to mean providing refuge. In some cases

this means providing refuge within the extra-territorial grounds
of an embassy, in others it is 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

Attach

Civilian attachs are either junior officers in an embassy/high

commission or, senior officers who have a professional
specialisation such as "labour attach", "commercial attach",
"cultural attach", etc. On the military side, an embassy will
generally have a defence attach or in larger embassies there
will also be an army attach, naval attach, and or air attach.
In smaller missions one attach may cover tri-service activities
and responsibilities. These consist primarily of liaison work with
local military authorities and reporting on defence matters in
the host country. When serving in high commissions, defence,
army, navy and air representatives are designated as advisers
rather than attaches

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B
Belligerency

A state of belligerency is a state of armed conflict. Belligerents

are direct participants in the conflict

Bilateral

Bilateral discussions or negotiations are between a state and

one other. A bilateral treaty is between one state and one other.
"Multilateral" is used when more than two states are involved

Bout de papier

A very informal means of conveying written information; more

informal than an aide memoire, memorandum or letter

Breaking Relations

The formal act of severing diplomatic relations with another

state, which is intended convey disapproval of its actions or
policies. This step is not taken lightly. When relations between
states are strained, it is usually considered that it is important
to maintain diplomatic relations. A less serious step that
indicates displeasure but stops short of breaking diplomatic
relations is for a government to recall its ambassador. Such a
step means that the embassy/high commission can continue to
function. Sometimes, in order to convey displeasure, a
government will publicly recall its ambassador/high
commissioner for consultations

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C
Calls

Calling has largely disappeared from private life, but it is a

practice which is still useful for diplomats when the early

establishment of extensive contacts is useful.. Soon after arrival
at a new post, a diplomat will embark on a program of calls on
those with whom he/she will be dealing and whom it will be
useful to get to know
Casus Belli

An action by one state regarded as so contrary to the interests

of another state as to be considered by that second state as a
cause for war

Chancelleries

As in "chancelleries of Europe", i.e. foreign offices

Chancery

The office where the head of mission and his staff work. This
office is often called the embassy, but for claritys sake it is
useful to use the terms distinguish between the two by using
the terms "ambassadors/high commissioners residence" and
"embassy/high commission

Chancery, Head of

A senior position in British embassies/high commissions, but

not commonly found in other diplomatic offices. An officer,
usually head of the political section, charged with coordinating
the substantive policy and administrative work of the
embassy/high commission

Charg d Affaires e.p.(en

pied)

A diplomat accredited by letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

of a country in lieu of an accredited resident ambassador

Charg dAffaires,a.i.(ad
interim)

A senior officer taking charge of the embassy when the

ambassador is absent from the post (e.g. on leave) or in the
interval between the departure of the ambassador and the
arrival of a successor. At high commissions, the senior officer
taking charge of the post temporarily is designated as acting
high commissioner

Chief of Mission

The senior officer in an embassy, high commission, permanent

mission, legation, consulate-general or consulate (i.e.
ambassador, high commissioner, minister, consul-general, or
consul)

Communiqu

A brief public summary statement issued following important

bilateral or multilateral meetings

Conciliation

An effort to achieve agreement and, hopefully, increased

goodwill between two opposed parties

Concordat

A treaty to which the Pope is a party

Conference or Congress

International meetings. In the diplomatic sense, a congress has

the same meaning as a conference.

Consul-General

A consular officer of the highest rank; i.e. the senior official at a

consulate-general

Consul, Honorary

A host-country national appointed by a foreign state to perform

limited consular functions in a locality where the appointing
state has no other consular representation

Consular Agent

An official doing consular work for a nation in a locality where it

does not maintain a regular consulate. This official is usually a
national of the host state, and his/her work is usually part-time

Consulate-General or
Consulate

Offices established by one state in important cities of another

state for the purpose of supporting and protecting its citizens
travelling or residing there. In addition, these offices are

charged with performing other administrative duties such as

issuing visas (where necessary) to host country nationals
wishing to travel to the country represented by the consulategeneral or consulate. Consulates-general or consulates in the
capital city or in other cities come under the control of the
ambassador/high commissioner. In carrying out their consular
duties, they also serve as branch offices for the embassy/high
commission, supporting the latters political and economic
responsibilities. Consulates also have a useful role in connection
with the promotion of their countrys exports and other
commercial activities. Officers performing consular duties are
known as consuls-general, consuls or, vice consuls. The consulgeneral is in charge of a consulate-general, while consulates are
headed by a consul

Convention

A legal agreement between two or more states concerning

matters of common interest. While supposedly used for lesser
matters than embraced in a treaty, it often deals with important
subjects international postal and copyright laws, the law of
the sea, whaling, human rights etc

Credentials

The name for letters given to an ambassador by his chief of

state, and addressed to the chief of state of his host country.
They are delivered to the latter by ambassadors in a formal
credentials ceremony, which generally takes place shortly after
his arrival at a new post. Until this ceremony has taken place he
is not formally recognized by the host country, and he cannot
officially act as an ambassador. The letters are termed "letters
of credence" because they request the receiving chief of state
to give "full credence" to what the ambassador will say or do on
behalf of his government

Cross accreditation

When an ambassador or high commissioner is concurrently

accredited to two or more countries

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D
Declaration

Not a commonly used term, but it is sometimes used to mean a

joint statement by two or more states having the same binding
effect as a treaty. Such declarations can be made on a standalone basis or appended to a treaty as an added understanding
or interpretation

Delegation

Delegation can be used to refer to specific powers delegated by

a government to a Cabinet minister or a diplomat to act in
certain specific circumstances e.g. to sign a treaty. It also refers
to an official party sent to an international conference

demarche

A request or intercession with a foreign official, e.g., a request

for support of a policy, or a protest about the host governments
policy or actions

Demarch

A formal approach or intervention by a diplomat, making

representations to another government. Normally indicates

formally raising an issue with host country government, usually
involving a specific request for some action or decision in
connection with the issue
The second in command at an embassy who becomes the
charg d affaires in the absence of the ambassador. At high
Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM)
commissions, the officer in such a position would be called the
acting high commissioner
Dtente

An easing of tension between states

Diplomatic bag

This is a bag in which mail is sent to and from

diplomatic/consular missions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade. If the bag contains classified documents it is carried
by a special security-cleared courier, if not, the bag is sent by
airfreight

Diplomatic Corps

The group of foreign diplomats resident in a nations capital. In

cities where consuls and consuls-general are resident, they are
collectively known as the consular corps. The dean of both
corps is usually the official who had been at his/her post the
longest. There are some exceptions to this rule, for example, in
some Catholic countries, the papal nuncio is usually the dean of
the corps. The dean represents the corps in collective dealings
with host country officials on matters of a ceremonial or
administrative character affecting the corps as a whole

Diplomatic Illness

The practice of feigning illness to avoid participation in a

diplomatic event of one kind or another and at the same time to
avoid giving formal offence. "Diplomatic deafness" is a
somewhat related concept whereby older diplomats allegedly
turn this infirmity to advantage by not hearing what they prefer
not to hear

Diplomatic Immunity

Exemption of foreign diplomatic agents or representatives from

local jurisdiction

Diplomatic Note

A formal written means of communication among embassies

Diplomatic Privileges and

Immunities

Historically accorded in recognition that the diplomat represents

(and is responsible to) a different sovereignty; also in order
that the legitimate pursuit of his official duties will not be
impeded in any unnecessary way. They include inviolability of
person and diplomatic premises and exemption from taxation
and the civil and criminal jurisdiction of local courts. See also
Diplomatic Immunity

Diplomatist

It has the same meaning as "diplomat". An outdated word

rarely used now in spoken diplomacy but occasionally still
appearing in the literature of diplomacy

Dispatch

A written report, as opposed to a telegraphic, message from an

embassy to its home office or vice versa. Nowadays such
reports are called memoranda

Dual Accreditation

When an ambassador or high commissioner is concurrently

accredited to two or more states

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E
Economic Officer

A career diplomat who specialized in economics rather than

political, administrative, or other matters

Embassy

The offices of the ambassador and other key members of

his/her staff. (The British Foreign Service, however, uses the
term chancery) Sometimes, in order to avoid confusion, the
terms ambassadors residence and ambassadors office may
be used

Embassy

A diplomatic mission in the capital city of a foreign country

headed by an ambassador

Entente

Denotes a close understanding between certain nations. It

suggests mutual and complementary efforts, and a sense of
compatible objectives. It can be agreed on orally or in writing,
but as a concept is generally less binding than a treaty
relationship

Envoy

Usually refers to a senior diplomat, but can be used to describe

a senior official representing his/her government at a
conference or on a special mission of limited duration

Ex Gratia

Something which is done as a gesture of good will and not on

the basis of an accepted legal obligation

Excellency

The formal title for addressing an ambassador/high

commissioner

Exchange of Notes

A common way of recording an agreement. The contents of the

notes are, of course, agreed upon in advance by the two
governments participating in the exchange

Exequatur

A document issued to a consular officer by the host country

government authorizing the officer to carry out his/her consular
duties

Extradition

The term for the process, governed by formally concluded

agreements, by which fugitives fleeing justice from one country
are returned from the country where they have sought refuge.
It does not apply to political offences

Extraterritoriality

The exercise by one nation, as a result of formally concluded

agreements, of certain functions within the territory of another
state. A curtailment of the jurisdiction of the host government
in certain specified areas and/or in certain specified respects

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F
Final Act (Acte Finale)
Full Powers

A formal summary statement, drawn up at the conclusion of a

conference
A legal document which authorizes a diplomat to conduct
special business on behalf of his government, such as the
settlement of a dispute or the negotiation of a treaty. Before

signing a treaty, a diplomat is obligated to show his full-powers

document to the other parties involved
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G
Good Offices

An effort by a third state, or by an individual or an international

body, designed to stimulate the processes of settlement in a
dispute between two other states

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H
Head of Mission

The senior officer of a diplomatic mission, with the title of

ambassador, high commissioner, minister, or charg d affaires

High Commission

Diplomatic mission of one Commonwealth country in another

Commonwealth country

High Commissioner

The head of a high commission

High Commissioner

Principal representative of one Commonwealth country in

another Commonwealth country

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I
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J
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K
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L
Legation

These are rare now, but a legation is a diplomatic mission

similar for most practical purposes to an embassy, but lower in
rank, and is headed by a minister rather than an ambassador

Letters of Credence

See Credentials

Letters of Recall

Also presented by a new ambassador, along with his letter of

credence, to the head of state of the host country during the
credentials presentation ceremony. It is the official document
which formally advises of the recall of his/her predecessor

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M
Mission

A generic term for an embassy, high commission, consulategeneral or consulate

Modus Vivendi

A temporary agreement, in writing, of an interim character,

pending the negotiation of more definitive arrangements

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N
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O
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P
Passport

The official document issued to a person by his/her government

certifying citizenship and requesting foreign governments to
grant the individual safe passage, lawful aid and protection
while under that government's jurisdiction

Permanent Mission
Persona Non Grata

An individual who is unacceptable to or unwelcome by the host

government

Precedence

Priority among ambassadors, consuls-general or consuls on

ceremonial or formal occasions. Precedence is normally
determined by the order in which they presented their
credentials to the host government

Protocol

Refers to the ceremonial side of diplomacy, including matters of

diplomatic courtesy etiquette and precedence. It may also be
used as another name for an agreement, or it may denote
sections added to an agreement clarifying or defining some
specific aspects of an agreement

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Q
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R
Ranks (Diplomatic and
Consular)

Diplomatic ranks in order of seniority are ambassador/high

commissioner, minister, counsellor, first secretary, second
secretary, third secretary, attach. The consular ranks are
consul-general, consul, vice-consul, attach

Rapporteur

The official of a committee or subcommittee whose job is to

prepare a summary report of its discussions and conclusions

Rapprochement

The establishment of improved relations between two countries

Ratification

Following the negotiation of a treaty, ratification is the act by

which a government formally commits itself to adhere to that
treaty

Recognition

Commonly used in connection with the recognition by one state

of the existence of another state (for example when a new state
is formed), or the recognition of a government which is in
effective control of a state

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S
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Tour dhorizon

A diplomatic discussion covering a range of subjects of current

and common interest

Treaty

A formal binding agreement between countries

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U
Ultimatum

A formal statement indicating serious displeasure. On occasion

it may be a prelude to taking serious action e.g. military
activity, trade embargo, severance of diplomatic relations

Unfriendly Act

A term used when one government wishes to tell another that

an action the latter has taken is regarded as causing serious
damage to the bilateral relationship

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V
Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations

UN convention, adopted in 1961, formalizing the rights and

privileges of diplomats

Visa

Written authority to enter a country for either temporary

residence, (e.g. for tourism, education, or business) or for
permanent residence

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W
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Y
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A Dictionary of Diplomatic Terminology Currently in Circulation

A
agrment the host governments acceptance of the nomination of an ambassador to the
country
ambassador-designate a diplomatic agent who has been designated by the President as
his/her choice as personal representative but who has not yet been confirmed by the Senate
and who has not taken the oath of office (U.S. only)
ambassador an official envoy or diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a
foreign government as the official resident representative of his own government; or an
official appointed for a special, often temporary, diplomatic assignment
ambassador at large an ambassador whose portfolio addresses specific issues rather
than one specific country
ambassador extraordinaire and plenipotentiary a diplomatic agent who is the
personal representative of the head of one state accredited to the head of another
attach a civilian or military technical expert or specialist on the mission
C
chancery the embassy office building
charg d affaires a diplomatic agent accredited by letter to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Secretary of State of one country by his/her counterpart in lieu of a duly accredited
ambassador
charg d affaires ad interim also referred to as charg; a subordinate diplomat who
substitutes for an ambassador or minister in his/her absence
chief of mission principal officer of an overseas mission, with the title of Ambassador,

Minister, or Charg d affaires.

consul a consular officer of the highest rank; senior official at the consulate general
consular agent individuals who perform limited consular functions in cities where there is
no mission
consulate a constituent or subordinate post; also the office of the consul and his/her staff
consulate general a large constituent or subordinate post
counsellor a diplomatic title accorded to a head of a section in the embassy, such as
"Counsellor for Political Affairs" or "Political Counsellor"
D
demarche a request or intercession with a foreign official, e.g., a request for support of a
policy, or a protest about the host governments policy or actions
deputy chief of mission (DCM) the second in command at an embassy who becomes
the charg d affaires in the ambassadors absence
diplomatic agent a generic term denoting a person who carries out regular diplomatic
relations of the nation he/she represents in the nation to which he/she has been accredited
diplomatic note a formal written means of communication among embassies
diplomatic corps the collective heads of foreign diplomatic missions and their staff
members
diplomatic immunity exemption of foreign diplomatic agents or representatives from
local jurisdiction
diplomatic ranks Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Minister Plenipotentiary
Ministers

Charg d affaires ad hoc or pro tempore

Charg d affaires ad interim
Minister-Counsellors
Counsellors (or Senior Secretaries in the absence of Counsellors)
Army, Naval and Air Attaches
Civilian Attaches
First Secretaries
Second Secretaries
Assistant Army, Naval and Air Attaches
Civilian Assistant Attaches
Third Secretaries and Assistant Attaches
Dual accreditation having two or more responsibilities, such as an ambassador who is
simultaneously accredited to two nations
E
Embassy a diplomatic mission in the capital city of a foreign country headed by an
ambassador
Exequatur written, official recognition of a consular officer issued by the government to
which one is accredited
I
Interest section the office responsible for protecting the interests of the US, housed in a
third country embassy, in a country which the US has no formal diplomatic relations
L
Legation a diplomatic mission in a foreign country headed by a minister. The US has none
at present, but a few other countries do
M
Mission a generic term for embassy. Mission also describes the entirety of official US representation in
a given foreign country, which functions under the supervision of the ambassador, including civilian and

military personnel (except US military reporting to a unified command and official US representation to
a multilateral organization).
P
Passport the official document issued to a person by his/her government certifying
citizenship and requesting foreign governments to grant the individual safe passage, lawful
aid and protection while under that governments jurisdiction
p.c. used in written social correspondence, "pour condoler" (to express sympathy)
p.f. used in written social correspondence, "pour feliciter" (to extend congratulations)
p.m. used in written social correspondence, "pour memoire" (to remind)
p.p. - used in written social correspondence, "pour presenter" (to introduce)
p.p.c. used in written social correspondence, "pou prendre conge" (to say goodbye)
p.r. used in written social correspondence, "pour remercier" (to express thanks)
persona non grata an individual who is unacceptable to or unwelcome by the host
government
precedence priority; the right to superior honor on a ceremonial or formal occasion; for
ambassadors in a country, precedence is determined by the order in which they presented
their credentials to the host government
S
secretary (third, second, first) diplomatic rank of officers posted overseas, in ascending
order of seniority
V
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations UN convention, adopted in 1961,

formalizing the rights and privileges of diplomatic agents.

vice-consul a junior ranking consular officer
visa a seal or endorsement made on a passport by the proper officials of a country which
entitles the bearer to apply for entry into another country at the port of admission.