back channel
Unofficial diplomatic route
A back channel is an unofficial or informal route for communication, especially in diplomacy or negotiations.
While formal talks proceed through official channels, back channels allow parties to explore positions privately without commitment: They established a back channel to the Kremlin.
The term extends to any covert line of communication: corporate back channels, back-channel deals.
Concealed from authorities
- secretConcealed information
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- confidentialMeant to stay secret
- hush-hushHighly confidential matter
sub rosa · discreet · off-the-record · quiet · hidden · private · undisclosed · under-the-table
Accredited diplomatic representative
- intermediaryAgent linking two parties
- mediatorNeutral conflict resolver
- go-betweenAgent connecting separate parties
- liaisonConnector between groups
emissary · negotiator · ambassador · attaché · consul · peace talks · shuttle diplomacy · proxy
Informal system sharing warnings
- grapevineInformal gossip network
- word-of-mouthInformation shared through conversation
- insiderOne with confidential access
- scoopFirst-reported story
tip-off · rumor mill · gossip · leak · private message · DM · sidebar · behind closed doors
Confirmation of receipt
- noddingMoving head affirmatively
- uh-huhInformal vocal agreement
- mm-hmmVocal nod
- yeahCasual spoken agreement
I see · go on · active listening · verbal cue · encouragement · phatic · head nod · eye contact
Mental ability, cognitive capacity
- spyCovert information gatherer
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- informantOne who provides intelligence
- assetItem of value owned
handler · operative · eavesdropping · wiretap · surveillance · leak · whistleblower · dead drop
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- secretConcealed information
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- confidentialMeant to stay secret
hush-hush · sub rosa · discreet · off-the-record · quiet · hidden · private · undisclosed · under-the-table · shadow
envoy
Accredited diplomatic representative
- intermediaryAgent linking two parties
- mediatorNeutral conflict resolver
- go-betweenAgent connecting separate parties
liaison · emissary · negotiator · ambassador · attaché · consul · peace talks · shuttle diplomacy · proxy · détente
whisper network
Informal system sharing warnings
- grapevineInformal gossip network
- word-of-mouthInformation shared through conversation
- insiderOne with confidential access
scoop · tip-off · rumor mill · gossip · leak · private message · DM · sidebar · behind closed doors
acknowledgment
Confirmation of receipt
yeah · I see · go on · active listening · verbal cue · encouragement · phatic · head nod · eye contact · attentiveness
intelligence
Mental ability, cognitive capacity
asset · handler · operative · eavesdropping · wiretap · surveillance · leak · whistleblower · dead drop · cutout
- negotiationbargaining, bargain, negotiate, mediation, compromise
- Negotiation Termsdeadlock, bargaining, negotiation, stalemate, compromise
- covert tacticssubterfuge, decoy, feint, diversion, misdirection
- US-Irannuclear deal, hostage crisis, Iran-Contra, diplomatic ties, Tehran
- war diplomacytruce, peace treaty, peace deal, armistice, ceasefire
- tidal channelstidal creek
back channeldiplomatic channel
Official communication route between governments
back channelpublic forum
Space for collective discourse
open channel · public discourse · press conference · town hall · broadcast