foreign relations

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of foreign relations

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

“It’s not at all surprising for a U.S. president to talk to both the Chinese and Japanese leaders,” said Matthew Goodman, a former Obama administration Asia specialist who focuses on geoeconomic studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The Russians have remained very consistent,” said Thomas Graham, a distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Russia likely sees a broad win at hand but would also want to firm up some of the more ambiguous points in the document, said Thomas Graham, a distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to the 1973 memo, "the President plays an unparalleled role in the execution of the laws, the conduct of foreign relations, and the defense of the Nation."

From Salon

“Many people are going to immediately assume that it’s for political reasons, and it’s going to be very hard, if not impossible, to persuade them that it’s a legitimate, nonpolitical prosecution,” said John B. Bellinger III, an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington and a top legal official during President George W. Bush’s administration.

From New York Times

Related Words

• diplomacy