A “back channel” is an unofficial means of communication between two nations or two political entities. “Backchanneling” is also used as a verb, to refer to the act of holding behind-the-scenes talks.
Back channels are often used when two governments …
“Appeasement” is a diplomatic policy in which nations attempt to make peace by making concessions to an aggressive nation. Appeasement is often linked with the policies of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain during World War II.
The most famous case …
A term outlining the philosophy of appeasement, in which supporters argue that peace is worth the cost asked by an enemy. It was once used as a positive term, but became an attack on appeasement after World War II.…
The accumulation of military power and security assets by a country to encourage an amenable diplomatic atmosphere with other countries.
The phrase peace through strength is attributed to the policies of Roman Emperor Hadrian, who ruled from 117 to 138. …
“Missile gap” is a Cold War-era phrase that was used to describe the difference in number and power of missiles between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
The term was first used by Sen. John F. Kennedy in 1958 to accuse …
The “military industrial complex” refers to the comfortable relationship between the military, the federal government and the defense contractors that produce weapons and equipment for war.
The term was immortalized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address to …
Soft power is the ability to obtain what one wants through co-option rather than the use of coercion.
The phrase was first coined by Joseph Nye of Harvard University in the late 1980s and is now widely used in international …