国交断絶

• Reading: こっこうだんぜつ
• Romaji: kokkō danzetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 国 (koku) — nation; 交 (kō) — exchange, relations; 断 (dan) — cut, sever; 絶 (zetsu) — sever, discontinue
• Pronunciation: /ko.k.koː.da.ɴ.ze.tsɯ/

Meaning

Severance of diplomatic relations. The formal termination of official relations between two countries.

The most severe diplomatic measure short of war. Involves the withdrawal of ambassadors, closure of embassies, and cessation of official communication channels. Appears in news coverage of international crises. The opposite is 国交正常化 (normalisation of diplomatic relations). In Japanese postwar diplomacy, 国交回復 (restoration of relations) and 国交樹立 (establishment of relations) are closely related terms.

Examples

1. 両国間の武力衝突により、ついに国交断絶が宣言された。 An armed conflict between the two countries ultimately led to the declaration of a severance of diplomatic relations.
2. 国交断絶後も水面下での非公式な接触は続いていたという。 It is said that unofficial behind-the-scenes contacts continued even after the severance of diplomatic relations.
3. 外交当局は国交断絶という最悪の事態を回避するため協議を続けた。 Diplomatic authorities continued negotiations to avoid the worst-case scenario of a complete break in diplomatic ties.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, international relations, crises, journalism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 国交 (diplomatic relations between nations — from 国 nation and 交 exchange/interaction) and 断絶 (severance/cutting off — from 断 cut and 絶 sever). Together they form a precise diplomatic term.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated