foreign affairs

plural noun

1. activities of a nation in its relationships with other nations; international relations.

foreign affairs

plural noun

1. matters abroad that involve the homeland, such as relations with another country
2. matters that do not involve the homeland

Word History and Origins

Origin of foreign affairs¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Waltz's military experience led to key national security committee assignments when he was elected to Congress in 2018, serving on the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees.

From BBC

With Donald Trump’s reelection, the slide toward a dangerously empowered president has reached a moment of reckoning, particularly when it comes to foreign affairs and warfare.

From Salon

The presidents who followed Roosevelt continued to display such enhanced powers, especially when it came to foreign affairs.

From Salon

And yet that quintessential institutionalist, who prided himself on his ability to work with Congress, nonetheless veered in the direction of presidential unilateralism in the conduct of foreign affairs.

From Salon

As Koh puts it: “In foreign affairs, even the longtime senator Joe Biden — who widely proclaims his love of the Senate — now operates almost entirely by executive fiat,” including a reliance on “classified policy memoranda, with minimal congressional oversight.”

From Salon