The most important foreign affairs events of the week

February 27, 2023

“On Monday, the United Kingdom hailed a ‘new chapter’ in its relationship with the European Union as it secured a deal to end the long-running dispute over the post-Brexit Northern Ireland protocol. The deal, labeled the 'Windsor framework', goes further than previously expected by giving the UK government an “emergency brake” on new EU laws applied in Northern Ireland if politicians in the province object to them. Ursula Von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, hinted the deal would open the door to a closer, more constructive relationship with the EU including, as its first steps, closer participation in Brussels programmes, as well as working together on Ukraine and the climate crisis.”

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The transitive verb hail means “to salute or greet; to greet or acclaim enthusiastically.” Close synonyms are “acclaim”, “cheer”, and “exalt.”

The noun framework means “a fundamental structure, as for a written work; a structural plan or basis of a project.”

February 28, 2023

“The Alberto Fernández government is working against the clock to complete construction of a 356-mile-long gas pipeline before winter hits Argentina, and demand for gas—and imports—spikes. Vaca Muerta, in Neuquén province, is the world’s second-largest shale gas deposit, and the fourth biggest in shale oil. With the duct in place, its massive resources could be made readily available to large urban populations. After significant investments in recent years, Vaca Muerta production is picking up speed at an impressive rate, growing at double-digits every year. Shale resources alone now account for 44% (oil) and 39% (gas) of Argentina’s total production. The first section, promised for Flag Day (June 20), connects Vaca Muerta to Buenos Aires province. A second trench would allow for exports to Brazil.” 

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The nouns shale gas and shale oil mean “natural gas and crude oil that are extracted from shale by hydraulic fracturing.” In portuguese they mean "gás e óleo de xisto”.

March 1st, 2023

“On Wednesday, Bola Tinubu was declared the winner in the presidential election in Nigeria, after four days of uncertainty. Tinubu is a former state governor and one of the most powerful political kingmakers in the country. Opposition parties dismissed the election as a ‘sham,’ alleging widespread fraud and violence and vowing to challenge the outcome in court. A country of immense natural riches, bursting with talent — with big technology, music and film industries — Nigeria is also a nation where over 60 percent of people live in poverty, millions of children are out of school, and where kidnapping is a daily risk for Nigerians from all walks of life.”

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The adjective widespread means “spread or scattered over a considerable extent; occurring or accepted widely.” Close synonyms are “sweeping”, “far-reaching”, and “broad.”

The transitive verb vow means “to promise solemnly; pledge; to make a pledge or threat to undertake.”

March 2, 2023

“France's President Emmanuel Macron went on a whirlwind tour of African capitals as he is currently trying to shift French policy on the continent away from military involvement. This is his 18th presidential trip to the continent, but this comes at a time of ever-increasing competition from China and Russia, and growing resentment of the close economic ties between France and its former colonies, which some see as a form of continued exploitation. Although Ukraine inevitably dominates the international diplomatic agenda, Mr Macron believes that Paris and Brussels cannot afford to neglect Africa. France's president is also acutely aware of how other nations are seeking to extend their own influence south of the Sahara.”

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The adjective whirlwind means “tumultuous or rapid; like a whirlwind, as in speed or force.” Close synonyms are “rapid”, “short”, and “quick.”

The adverb acutely means “reacting readily to stimuli or impressions; sensitive; keenly perceptive or discerning.”

March 3, 2023

“On Friday, Joe Biden met with Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, to show a united front on the war in Ukraine, especially after mounting concerns that China could move to supply weapons to Moscow. Mr. Biden said that both leaders would work in “lock step” for as long as it takes to provide military support to Kyiv. The Western leaders are trying to show the world that they are the stewards of a strong NATO alliance against Russian aggression and Chinese interference. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has accused the United States of spreading lies.”

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The intransitive verb mount means “to increase in amount, extent, or intensity.”

The noun steward means “one who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs; an official who supervises or helps to manage an event.”