- 1relations [plural] the way in which two people, groups, or countries behave toward each other or deal with each other diplomatic/international/foreign relations U.S.-Chinese relations teacher-student relations relation (with somebody/something) Relations with neighboring countries have become strained. relation (between A and B) We seek to improve relations between our two countries. (formal) to have sexual relations (= to have sex) Topic CollocationsInternational Relationstrade
- facilitate/regulate trade (with other countries)
- form/join a trading bloc
- live in/compete in a global/the world economy
- support/promote free trade
- adopt/call for/oppose protectionist measures
- erect/impose/reduce/remove trade barriers
- impose/lift/raise/eliminate import tariffs (on something)
- have/run a huge/large/growing trade surplus/deficit
- embrace/resist/drive globalization
- handle/talk about/discuss foreign policy
- pursue an aggressive/a hawkish foreign policy
- require/use/conduct diplomacy
- establish/break off/sever/restore diplomatic relations/ties
- foster/promote/strengthen regional cooperation
- facilitate/achieve economic/political integration
- exercise/defend/protect/transfer/restore/regain national/state/full/limited sovereignty
- consolidate/extend/lose/retain your power (in the region)
- hold/maintain/change/alter/shift the balance of power (in the region)
- cause/create/open/expose/heal/repair a deep/growing/major/serious rift between X and Y
- have/hold/host/attend an international conference/an economic forum/a G20 summit
- lead/launch a new round of global/multilateral/world trade negotiations
- send/head/lead/meet a high-level/an official/a trade delegation
- facilitate/begin/start/continue/resume peace talks
- be committed to/be opposed to/disrupt/undermine/derail/sabotage the peace process
- negotiate/achieve a lasting political settlement
- broker/sign a peace deal/agreement/treaty
- be/constitute/pose a threat to global security
- compromise/endanger/protect national security
- justify/be in favor of/support/be against/oppose military intervention
- threaten/authorize/launch/take/support/oppose unilateral/preemptive military action
- impose/enforce/lift/end economic sanctions/an arms embargo/a naval blockade
- close/protect/secure/patrol the border
- lead/be involved in a peacekeeping operation
- negotiate/announce a $15 billion aid package/an economic stimulus package
- send/provide/request/cut off military aid
- bring/provide emergency/humanitarian relief
- deliver/distribute medical supplies/food supplies
- fund/run a foreign/a local/an international NGO
- reduce/eradicate/combat/fight child/global/world poverty
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- 2[uncountable, countable] the way in which two or more things are connected relation between A and B the relation between rainfall and crop yields relation to something the relation of the farmer to the land The fee they are offering bears no relation to the amount of work involved. (formal) I have some comments to make in relation to (= concerning) this matter. Its brain is small in relation to (= compared with) its body. Little of what he said has any relation to fact.
- 3[countable] a person who is in the same family as someone else synonym relative a close/near/distant relation of mine a relation by marriage a party for friends and relations He's called Brady too, but we're no relation (= not related). Is he any relation to you? see blood relation, poor relation
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