Definition of the word diplomatic corps

The term "diplomatic corps" refers to the collective body of foreign diplomats or ambassadors accredited to a particular country or international organization. It originated from the French phrase "corps diplomatique," which was coined during the 19th century when European diplomacy was becoming more formalized. At the time, European rulers recognized the need for official channels of communication between their countries, leading to the establishment of permanent diplomatic missions. These missions were typically headed by ambassadors, the highest-ranking diplomatic representatives, and the group of ambassadors accredited to a particular country became known as the "corps diplomatique." The concept of maintaining a formal body of diplomats has since expanded beyond Europe, and the term "diplomatic corps" has become widely used to describe the collective group of foreign representatives accredited to international organizations such as the United Nations or the European Union. In short, the word "diplomatic corps" reflects the tradition of formalized diplomacy, highlighting the role that ambassadors and diplomats play as official representatives of their countries and as crucial players in the international community.