diplomatic leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

"diplomatic leverage" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the use of diplomacy and strategic negotiations to gain an advantage or influence in a situation. Example: The president's skilled use of diplomatic leverage resulted in a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict between the two countries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

China's need for economic links creates diplomatic leverage for the United States and other Western powers, diplomats say, though just how much is debated.

The New York Times

Washington has limited economic and diplomatic leverage with Damascus.

The New York Times

Mr. Lee's diplomatic leverage is also in question.

The New York Times

And our economic power must sustain our military strength, our diplomatic leverage and our global leadership.

The New York Times

In exchange for the bailout, you might as well get some serious diplomatic leverage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sanctions have afforded diplomatic leverage over Iran that was virtually nonexistent at the start of President Obama's first term.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Qatari emir Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, unlike the rulers of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, sees sports not only as a business and diplomatic leveraging opportunity but also as a pillar of Qatari national identity at the risk of sports sparking radical social change.

Huffington Post

McCain's "shoot first" vision has already exhausted the nation's military and crashed the economy, whereas Obama's diplomatic approach leverages — and could help restore — the goodwill established by America's historical commitment to human rights and democracy.

Huffington Post

Moreover, Russian oil has given the Kremlin crucial diplomatic and economic leverage with an America eager to develop oil supplies outside the Middle East, leverage Mr. Putin is unwilling to cede.

The New York Times

In Beijing, two American diplomats, James A. Kelly and John R. Bolton, pressed Chinese officials to use all their diplomatic and economic leverage to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program.

The New York Times

The Tamils protesting in front of parliament also think we matter, that the government has financial, diplomatic and military leverage, that we might help to stop potential mass murder in Sri Lanka.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations or geopolitical strategy, use "diplomatic leverage" to highlight the strategic advantage a nation or organization possesses through its diplomatic efforts. It suggests a deliberate use of diplomacy to achieve specific outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "diplomatic leverage" interchangeably with general influence. "Diplomatic leverage" specifically refers to influence gained and exerted through diplomatic means, not through military or economic force alone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diplomatic leverage" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes the capacity to influence international affairs through diplomatic means. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this expression correctly conveys its intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diplomatic leverage" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a country's or organization's ability to influence international relations through diplomatic means. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and readily understood. Predominantly found in news and media sources, with some appearances in scientific and formal business contexts, the phrase is suitable for professional and neutral registers. To avoid common errors, remember that "diplomatic leverage" specifically refers to influence exerted through diplomatic actions. Alternatives like "diplomatic influence" or "negotiating power" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diplomatic influence

Focuses on the power to affect decisions through diplomacy.

negotiating power

Emphasizes the strength in bargaining during diplomatic talks.

bargaining chip

Highlights the use of something as a means to gain an advantage.

political capital

Refers to the accumulated trust and standing that can be used to achieve political goals.

strategic advantage

Highlights the position of superiority in achieving diplomatic objectives.

geopolitical sway

Indicates influence over global political landscapes.

international standing

Emphasizes the reputation and respect a nation holds in the global community.

diplomatic weight

Stresses the importance and impact of a country's diplomatic actions.

power of diplomacy

Highlights the inherent strength and capabilities within diplomatic efforts.

clout in negotiations

Focuses on the ability to effectively influence the outcome of discussions.

FAQs

How is "diplomatic leverage" typically used in a sentence?

It's usually used to describe a country's or organization's ability to influence international relations through diplomatic actions. For example, "The US used its diplomatic leverage to negotiate a peace treaty."

What's a good alternative to "diplomatic leverage"?

Depending on the context, you could use "diplomatic influence", "negotiating power", or "strategic advantage". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of diplomatic strength.

Is "diplomatic leverage" formal or informal?

"Diplomatic leverage" is generally considered a formal term used in political science, international relations, and news reporting. It's appropriate for academic papers, policy discussions, and news articles.

What are some examples of countries using "diplomatic leverage"?

Examples include using foreign aid as "a bargaining chip" in trade negotiations, mediating conflicts between other nations, or forming international alliances to exert pressure on a particular country.