Legal Definitions - good offices

Definition: Good offices refer to the involvement of one or more countries or an international organization in a dispute between other countries with the aim of contributing to its settlement or at least easing relations between the disputing countries.

Example: When two countries are in a dispute, a third country or an international organization may offer their good offices to help resolve the issue. For instance, the United Nations may offer its good offices to help settle a dispute between two countries.

Explanation: Good offices are a diplomatic tool used to help resolve disputes between countries. The third party involved in the dispute acts as a mediator and helps the disputing parties come to an agreement. The involvement of a neutral third party can help ease tensions and prevent the situation from escalating into a larger conflict.