4.19 International Relation
1️⃣ International Relations Collocations
Foreign policy — a government’s strategy in dealing with other nations.
Example (Writing): “A country’s foreign policy should balance diplomacy and security.”
Bilateral relations — ties between two countries.
Example (Speaking): “Bilateral relations between Canada and the U.S. are strong.”
International cooperation — collaboration between countries.
Example (Writing): “International cooperation is crucial in tackling climate change.”
Global conflict — large-scale disagreement or war between nations.
Example (Writing): “The UN aims to prevent global conflicts through diplomacy.”
Trade agreement — a pact to regulate trade between nations.
Example (Speaking): “Free trade agreements boost international commerce.”
Cultural exchange — sharing traditions and customs between countries.
Example (Writing): “Cultural exchange promotes mutual understanding.”
Diplomatic ties / relations — formal relationships between governments.
Example (Speaking): “Diplomatic ties help avoid misunderstandings between nations.”
Military alliance — a formal agreement to defend each other.
Example (Writing): “NATO is one of the world’s most well-known military alliances.”
2️⃣ Idioms & Phrases Related to International Relations
On the same page — in agreement.
Example: “Countries must be on the same page to solve global problems.”
Put (something) on the map — make a place or issue known worldwide.
Example: “The climate summit put the island nation on the map.”
Cold war — tense political rivalry without direct fighting.
Example: “The Cold War between the U.S. and the USSR lasted decades.”
A double-edged sword — something that has both benefits and drawbacks.
Example: “Globalisation is a double-edged sword for many economies.”
Bury the hatchet — make peace after conflict.
Example: “The two nations finally buried the hatchet after years of hostility.”
3️⃣ Phrasal Verbs Related to International Relations
Break down (talks/negotiations) — fail to reach an agreement.
Example: “The peace talks broke down due to lack of trust.”
Step in — get involved, especially to prevent harm.
Example: “The UN stepped in to provide humanitarian aid.”
Reach out (to a country) — make diplomatic contact.
Example: “The president reached out to neighbouring countries for support.”
Back down — withdraw a position or demand.
Example: “Neither side is willing to back down in the territorial dispute.”
Call for (sanctions/action) — demand something formally.
Example: “Leaders called for immediate action on global hunger.”
4️⃣ International Relations Vocabulary (Advanced)
| Term | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Diplomacy | Managing international relations through negotiation. | “Diplomacy is essential to maintain peace and cooperation.” |
| Sanctions | Penalties imposed on countries to influence behavior. | “The UN imposed economic sanctions on the regime.” |
| Multilateralism | Multiple countries working together on issues. | “Multilateralism is key to solving climate and security problems.” |
| Sovereignty | A nation’s right to govern itself. | “Sovereignty is often cited in debates about foreign intervention.” |
| Geopolitics | Politics influenced by geography and power. | “Oil resources play a major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.” |
| Treaty | A formal agreement between countries. | “The Paris Agreement is a global treaty on climate change.” |
| Mediation | Involvement of a third party to resolve conflict. | “Mediation can help resolve disputes peacefully.” |
| Global governance | International rules and institutions that manage global affairs. | “Global governance ensures fair treatment across borders.” |
5️⃣ Synonyms for “International Relations”
- Foreign affairs
- Global diplomacy
- Global relations
- External affairs
- Cross-border cooperation
- Intergovernmental relations
- World politics
- International diplomacy