pourparlers

Pourparlers is a noun from French that denotes preliminary or exploratory talks aimed at negotiating an agreement. In diplomacy and international relations, pourparlers refer to the early stage of dialogue that precedes formal negotiations or treaty-making. The term emphasizes process and intention rather than binding commitments and is commonly used in both historical accounts and contemporary reporting to describe the initial steps toward consensus.

In practice, pourparlers may involve setting agendas, exchanging positions, testing prospects for settlement, or initiating confidence-building measures. They can be conducted directly between parties or with mediation by a third party. While they may lead to formal negotiations, pourparlers themselves are not binding and may be suspended, extended, or reopened as positions evolve. The phrase is often retained in English-language coverage to convey a distinctly diplomatic tone, though it is frequently translated as preliminary talks or pre-negotiations.

Origin and usage: The French term reflects a long-standing tradition of diplomatic language in which discussions are staged in stages. In historical sources, pourparlers appear in the context of peace processes, border disputes, trade negotiations, and arms control dialogues. Related terms include parley and negotiations, though pourparlers typically denotes the exploratory or preparatory phase rather than formal, final agreements.