Monday, December 12

The most important foreign affairs events of the week

December 5, 2022

“American government and European Union officials have agreed on working closely to coordinate semiconductor subsidy programs to foster their supply chains. Both parties are also implementing an early warning mechanism to address and mitigate semiconductor supply-chain disruptions. Nevertheless, the two sides failed to make progress on a dispute over the US’ new electric-vehicle program. The U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council is part of the Biden administration’s effort to strengthen ties with allies and friendly partners to counter China’s influence, especially due to China’s role as a major semiconductor and rare earths producer.”

Click here to read more about the issue.

The transitive verb foster means “to promote the growth or development of something”. Close synonyms are “promote”, “encourage”, and “assist”.

The transitive verb mitigate means “to make something less severe or intense; moderate or alleviate something.” Close synonyms are “ease”, “alleviate”, and “relieve”.

December 6, 2022

“China’s President, Xi Jinping, signed a strategic agreement with Saudi Arabian politicians to bolster energy ties during a bilateral summit. While Beijing strives to revitalize its economy, Riyadh aims to diversify its global alliances beyond the West. Xi will also attend the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh, a clear demonstration that the country seeks to intensify its relations with energy-driven economies. Although China has been a close Iranian ally, these meetings show that Saudi Arabia will remain a trusted and reliable energy partner for China.”

Click here to read more about the issue.

The transitive verb bolster means “to support or reinforce; strengthen.”

We highlighted the use of a linking word that we worked with on Friday. Although is a conjunction that means “regardless of the fact that; even though.”

December 7, 2022

“On Wednesday, the Peruvian Congress voted to open an impeachment process against the country’s President, Pedro Castillo. In a surprising move, he tried to dissolve the Congress and seize power through an emergency government. However, he could not gather enough support, even from his own allies. Government officials resigned, the top court declared the move unconstitutional, and the country’s armed forces issued a statement suggesting they would not support him. The uncharacteristic day ended with Castillo being ousted from power and under arrest.”  

Click here to read more about the issue.

The transitive verb seize means “to lay sudden or forcible hold of something; to take by force; capture or conquer.”

The transitive verb oust means “to remove from or dispossess of property or position by legal action, by force, or by the compulsion of necessity.”

December 8, 2022

“Forty years ago, most nations of the world adopted the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Among the key provisions of the Convention are the conservation of the world’s fisheries, marine protection, the right to resources within 200 nautical miles of national shorelines, and of increasing importance, the sustainable and equitable management of mineral-related activities in international waters. According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the anniversary should be ‘an important reminder to continue using this critical instrument to tackle today’s challenges.’”

Click here to read more about the issue.

The transitive verb adopt means “to accept formally and put into effect.” You can also use “sign”, “agree on”, “ratify”, and “take on”.

In this context, the adjective critical means “of, relating to, or being a turning point or specially important juncture.” Close synonyms are “indispensable”, “vital”, “crucial”, and “decisive”.

December 9, 2022

“Vladimir Putin suggested the possibility of reaching a settlement to end the war in Ukraine. Yet he also said that a peace agreement will probably be difficult and will take some time, as both parties would have to take into account the current position of troops. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Putin claimed that his military operation was going according to plan. Russia’s shelling of critical infrastructure across Ukraine has left millions without water, heating, gas and light as winter sets in.”

Click here to read more about the issue.

The preposition despite (also seen on Friday) means “in spite of; notwithstanding.”

The noun shelling is a military word that means “the act of bombing a place with artillery shells.” Unfortunately, in times of war, you must be prepared for this type of vocabulary.