IPA: /ˈsteɪtkræft/
KK: /ˈsteɪtkræft/
The skill or art of managing the affairs of a state or country, especially in politics and diplomacy.
Effective statecraft is essential for maintaining peace and stability in international relations.
Statecraft is formed from "state" (from Old French *estat*, meaning condition or status) and "craft" (from Old English *cræft*, meaning skill or art). The term refers to the skill or art of managing the affairs and governance of a state.
Think of 'state' as the condition or status of a nation and 'craft' as the skill involved in managing it — that's why statecraft means the skill of governing a state.