relation
noun
rɪˈleɪʃn 
rɪˈleɪʃn 
1 relations [plural] the way in which two people, groups or countries behave towards each other or deal with each otherdiplomatic/international/foreign relationsUS-Chinese relationsteacher-pupil relationsrelation (with somebody/something) Relations with neighbouring countries are under strain at present.relation (between A and B) We seek to improve relations between our two countries. (formal) to have sexual relations (= to have sex) see also industrial relations, public relations, race relations2 [uncountable, countable] the way in which two or more things are connectedrelation between A and B the relation between rainfall and crop yieldsrelation to something the relation of the farmer to the landThe 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 somebody else Synonym
relativea close/near/distant relation of minea relation by marriagea party for friends and relationsHe's called Brady too, but we're no relation (= not related).Is he any relation to you? see also blood relation, poor relation
Usage note: International relationsTradefacilitate/regulate trade (with other countries)form/join a trading bloclive in/compete in a global/the world economysupport/promote free tradeadopt/call for/oppose protectionist measureserect/impose/reduce/remove trade barriersimpose/lift/raise/eliminate import tariffs (on something)have/run a huge/large/growing trade surplus/deficitembrace/resist/drive globalizationPolitics and lawconduct/handle/talk about/discuss foreign policypursue an aggressive/a hawkish foreign policyrequire/use/conduct diplomacyestablish/break off/sever/restore diplomatic relationsfoster/promote/strengthen regional cooperationfacilitate/achieve economic/political integrationexercise/defend/protect/transfer/restore/regain national/state/full/limited sovereigntyconsolidate/extend/lose/retain your power (in the region)hold/maintain/change/alter/shift/be a shift in the balance of power (in the region)cause/create/open/expose/heal/repair a deep/growing/major/serious rift between X and YMeetings and agreementshave/hold/host/attend an international conference/an economic forum/a G20 summitlaunch a new round of global/multilateral/world trade negotiationssend/head/lead/meet a high-level/an official/a trade delegationbegin/start/continue/resume peace talksbe committed to/be opposed to/disrupt/undermine/derail/sabotage the peace processnegotiate/achieve a lasting political settlementbroker/sign a peace deal/agreement/treatyConflictbe/constitute/pose a threat to global securitycompromise/endanger/protect national securityjustify/be in favour of/(especially US) be in favor of/be against military interventionthreaten/authorize/launch/take/support/oppose unilateral/pre-emptive military actionimpose/enforce/lift/end economic sanctions/an arms embargo/a naval blockadeclose/protect/secure/patrol the borderlead/be involved in a peacekeeping operationAidnegotiate/announce a $15 billion aid package/an economic stimulus packagesend/provide/request/cut off military aidbring/provide emergency/humanitarian reliefdeliver/distribute medical supplies/(British English) food parcelsfund/run a foreign/a local/an international NGOreduce/eradicate child/global/world poverty