Diplomacy: The practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states or groups, it's used to maintain balance of power.
Alliance: A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.
Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between powers in the Eastern Bloc and powers in the Western Bloc after World War II. It was essentially a long-term standoff where each side tried to maintain a balance of power without resorting to direct conflict.