foreign relations

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the dealings and relationships between nations.
2. (used with a singular verb) the field of foreign affairs:

   an expert in foreign relations.

3. (used with a singular verb) the quality or character of foreign affairs as a consequence of foreign policy:

   a deterioration in their foreign relations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of foreign relations¹

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

By Trump standards, Rubio is massively overqualified, being an actual senator who has served on the foreign relations committee.

From Slate

He serves as the vice-chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and sits on the Foreign Relations Committee.

From BBC

Whether it was George Washington’s insistence that he was the one to formulate foreign policy when it came to diplomacy, treaties and more; Thomas Jefferson’s assertion of complete control over whether or not to attack the Barbary Pirates; James Polk’s decision to take actions which risked war with Mexico; or Abraham Lincoln’s “sweeping assertions of authority” in the Civil War era, executive claims to authority when it comes to matters of foreign relations and warfare have been a persistent feature of American history.

From Salon

According to the European Council of Foreign Relations, “Hamas has adopted a temporary model of collective leadership to mitigate the effect of future Israeli assassinations”.

From BBC

Bruce Hoffman, an insurgency expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Israel often disregarded U.S. military advice because “Israel was looking for a new status quo, not a return to the status quo ante ... which I’m not sure was understood in Washington.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• diplomacy