Political understandings refer to agreements between two or more parties, usually governments, that are intended to resolve conflicts and promote cooperation. ENTENTES are a type of political UNDERSTANDING, which is a French term meaning 'UNDERSTANDING' or 'AGREEMENT'. ENTENTES are typically used to settle disputes between countries, such as border disputes, trade agreements, and military alliances. They can also be used to promote cooperation between countries in areas such as economic development, environmental protection, and international security.