Vocabulary

• shift in: A change or alteration in something.
• think about: To consider something carefully.
• in fact: Used to emphasize the truth of a statement, especially one that contrasts with or contradicts something else.
• zoom in on: To adjust a camera or lens to make a subject appear closer.
• in on: To be involved in a secret or plan.
• turn on
• grind to a halt: To slow down gradually and then stop completely.
• have to: Must do
• zone in: To focus attention or effort completely on something.
• in the middle of: In the central part or point of something.
• of interest: Relevant or important to someone or something.
• also known as: Also called; alternatively named.
• in the past: During a former period of time; previously.
• critical to: Extremely important or essential.
• for example: As an illustration or instance.
• to some extent: Partially; not completely.
• choke point: A strategic narrow passage or area where movement is easily restricted or controlled.
• of course: Sure ; Certainly
• threat to: A person or thing likely to cause damage or danger.
• sphere of influence: A country or area in which another country has power to affect developments although it has no formal authority.
• in retreat: Moving back or withdrawing from a position.
• military installations: Multiple military bases or facilities.
• at least: As a minimum
• aside from
• hold on: To wait for someone (e.g. on a phone call)
• get a hold: To make contact with someone
• potential: Capable of happening or becoming reality
• access: Way to enter a place, e.g. a station or stadium
• critical: Making a negative judgment of something
• opportunity: Time, situation when a thing might be done; chance
• infrastructure: Basic necessary equipment for a country or region
• conflict: Argument or struggle between two or more parties
• relationship: Connection between two or more people or things
• influence: To affect or change something indirectly
• shift: To change in position or direction
• surveillance: Careful watching of a person/place, e.g. by police
• military: Army or armed forces
• mean: Average of a set of numbers
• competition: Fighting against others to win something
• concern: To be about a particular topic
• region: Part of a country, of the world, area, etc.
• security: Department in a company in charge of protection
• expand: To make something larger in size, number, amount
• primarily: In the most basic or important way
• giant: Tall, large, and powerful human-like creatures
• counter: To say or do something in opposition or resistance
• halt: To stop, or cause something, e.g. a car, to stop
• economy: Using money, resources in a careful, effective way
• rely: Depend on with full trust or confidence
• project: To predict what will happen in the future
• tilt: To change to a newly preferred idea or opinion
• sovereignty: The power a country has to decide for itself
• activity: An action or task, e.g. sports, washing clothes
• important: Having power or authority
• kind: In a caring and helpful manner
• uncertainty: Feeling of not really knowing what will happen
• fact: Something that is known or proved to be true
• continue: To do something without stopping, or after pausing
• aircraft: Vehicle that can fly
• build: Your physical shape; physique
• zone: Area of space designated for a particular use
• hospitality: Welcoming treatment of visitors or guests
• choke: To cause someone not to breathe
• middle: Place that is halfway between two things
• maritime: Concerning sailing, ships
• find: To become aware of something that is happening
• land: Region or country
• lagoon: Small lake surrounded by rocks; channel of water
• hinder: To make something slow or difficult
• grow: To get bigger and more mature; make plants do this
• expansion: Making or becoming larger
• prepare: To make something ready for use
• deep: Complex and important
• footprint: Mark left by a foot of an animal or human
• regional: Of a particular area, not the whole of a country
• offshore: (Of tax avoidance schemes) not in your country
• naval: Concerning a navy or ships used in war
• cane: To beat someone with a stick as punishment