Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики «обзор английской прессы» = English language. Texts of socio-political topics «A glimpse of

English language. Texts of socio-political topics: “A glimpse of English press”

b.A perspective that focuses on the social constructions of reality and the importance of ideas.

c.A theory that views international politics as a struggle for power among states.

d.A variant of realism that considers the structure of the international system.

Task 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using the appropriate terms from the list (realism, liberalism, constructivism, state sovereignty,

balance of power)

1.The theory of _______ emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international relations.

2.According to ________, international cooperation is essential for achieving peace and prosperity.

3._______ focuses on how ideas and identities shape international relations.

4.The concept of _______ is crucial for understanding the authority of states in the international system.

5.The _______ theory suggests that stability is achieved when military power is distributed among multiple states.

Task 3: Synonyms and Antonyms

Provide synonyms and antonyms for the following terms related to international relations

2.Hegemony

•Synonym: __________

•Antonym: __________

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Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики: «обзор английской прессы»

Task 4: Word Formation

Transform the following words into different forms (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb)

2.Analyze (verb)

•Noun: __________

•Adjective: __________

•Adverb: __________

Taks 5: Answer the questions

1.What is the primary focus of International Relations (IR) as a field of study?

2.How does realism define the nature of the international system?

3.What do liberal theorists believe about the potential for state cooperation?

4.In constructivism, how are the interests and identities of states viewed?

5.What is the main difference between neorealism and classical realism?

6.How does neoliberalism propose states can achieve cooperation despite an anarchic international system?

7.What does critical theory seek to challenge in the context of international relations?

Task 6: Translate the following sentences into English

1.Реализм утверждает, что международная система является анархичной.

2.Либерализм подчеркивает важность международных институтов для достижения мира.

3.Конструктивизм акцентирует внимание на социальных конструкциях реальности.

4.Неореализм сосредотачивается на структуре международной системы.

5.Критическая теория ставит под сомнение традиционные предположения о международных отношениях.

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English language. Texts of socio-political topics: “A glimpse of English press”

Task 7: Short Essay

Write a short essay (150–200 words) discussing the importance of understanding different theories of international relations. Use at least five vocabulary words from the tasks above.

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Text 12

INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

In recent decades, the number of international governmental organizations has increased dramatically. In general, the birth of these organizations was motivated by a genuine desire to enhance interaction and dialogue among countries and find global solutions to political and economic problems.

In many cases, however, these organizations have evolved into a network in which the participants are often persuaded to give in to powerful interest groups on selected issues, possibly in exchange for benefits and rewards in other contexts. Different from those who believe that international organizations are vulnerable to cronyism, others argue that such agencies are the neoliberal instrument by means of which the “rich” exploit the “poor,” or that these bodies are the tool through which politicians and bureaucrats try to expand their regulatory and taxation powers, choke growth and violate individual freedoms.

Most pundits would agree that some of these organizations are in fact all but useless and should be drastically reformed, if not jettisoned.

Regardless of their views and of the purpose of international organizations, most pundits would agree that some of these organizations are in fact all but useless and should be drastically reformed, if not jettisoned. Will these changes take place? The world of international organizations and agencies is rather interconnected. Some of them are little more than an event-organizing committee (e.g., the G20, an intergovernmental forum of 19 countries and the European Union), while others are much larger and often include several layers. For example, the United Nations (UN) comprises 17 “specialized agencies,’’ among which are the International Labour Organization, the Universal Postal Union and the World Bank. The World Bank has three agencies, the best known of which is perhaps the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. These agencies are unlikely to implode. Their employees usually enjoy generous remuneration packages and are highly motivated to expand their powers and range of action. Understandably, they oppose all proposals for downsizing.

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English language. Texts of socio-political topics: “A glimpse of English press”

Reasons for inertia

Politiciansfaceamorecomplexsetofincentives,whichnonethelessgointhesame direction. They are usually open to the idea of giving birth to new agencies or giving new life to those already in existence since these offer new opportunities to engage in normative bargaining, expand public expenditure programs, and create jobs for their clientele. By contrast, proposing to overhaul or break up an international agency is a game that only a superpower or a determined leader with a strong agenda and solid national support can play. A minor player would risk isolation internationally and a harsh critique at home if it leaves the club, while its representatives would suffer from loss of reputation and hostility from the technocracy if the nation loses the fight to exit and stays on with a grudge. Different categories of international agencies exist. Their future depends on a very limited number of major actors when their role is political, and on their success when their nature is defined by a clear purpose. Of course, we exclude nongovernmental organizations: although they are transnational(theiractivitiesarenotlimitedtoasinglecountry,theyarenotinternational (i.e., originated by international agreements). The Organization for European Economic Co-operation came into being on April 16, 1948, to oversee the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Western Europe after World War II. It later became the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which today has mostly a research role. OEEC members are pictured on February 17, 1949.

© Getty Images

UN, IMF roles

For example, the UN is essentially a political institution. Although some of its agencies were originally created with a global economic mission, they have gradually acquired a different role. In this vein, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) became operational in 1946 as a sort of international bank that would provide temporary liquidity to governments with balance-of-payments difficulties. However, today’s context is different. The major central bankers have moved toward a flexible exchange rate regime within which foreign exchange imbalances lead to changes in the exchange rate, rather than to foreign currency shortages. The supply of international liquidity is no longer an issue. As a result, the IMF has moved from being the world’s central banker to being a peculiar advisor with undeclared political clout. In recent times, it has taken the stage when bankers involved in large-scale rescue operations need an external body that would dictate the conditions to the potential borrower and help with the monitoring once the loans are disbursed. In contrast with the current

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Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики: «обзор английской прессы»

narrative, therefore, today theIMFis not an advisor to the borrowers.Ratherit provides a service to the lenders by carrying out part of the negotiations and shielding them from attack. These organizations are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Regardless of their merit, they serve a purpose, and the pressure groups supporting them are strong and cohesive. They include both governmental and nongovernmental actors. The long-run outlook may be different, though. After all, the present role of the IMF is built on prestige and shared political consensus about its activity. Should such features fade and one or two key members withdraw, the IMF would be perceived as a bankers’ club, and possibly become a liability for its supporters of a time.

Task 1: Vocabulary Matching

Match the words on the left with their correct definitions on the right

Definitions

a.A close relationship where friends give each other jobs or favors

b.The availability of liquid assets to a market or company

c.Experts or commentators who provide opinions on a subject

d.The tendency to remain unchanged or resist change

e.Forming a united whole; sticking together

Task 2: Fill in the blanks

Complete the sentences using the correct form of the words in parentheses

1.The number of international governmental organizations has ________

(increase) dramatically in recent decades.

2.Many pundits believe that some of these organizations are ________ (actual) useless and need reform.

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English language. Texts of socio-political topics: “A glimpse of English press”

3.Politicians are usually ________ (open) to creating new agencies for various benefits.

4.The International Monetary Fund has shifted from being a central banker to a

________ (peculiar) advisor.

5.The pressure groups supporting these organizations are ________ (strong) and cohesive.

Task 3: Synonyms and Antonyms

Provide a synonym and antonym for the following words from the text

3.Drastically

•Synonym: __________

•Antonym: __________

Task 4: Word Formation

Transform the words in parentheses to complete the sentences correctly

1.The organizations have undergone significant ________ (CHANGE) over the years.

2.There is a growing ________ (CONCERN) about the effectiveness of these agencies.

3.Many countries are involved in ________ (COLLABORATE) efforts to solve global issues.

4.The ________ (REFORM) of international organizations is a hot topic among pundits.

5.The IMF’s role has become increasingly ________ (COMPLEX) in the modern economy.

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Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики: «обзор английской прессы»

Task 5: Answer the questions

1.What is the main purpose of creating international governmental organizations?

2.What are the main problems related to the activities of international organizations?

3.What is the difference between governmental and non-governmental organizations?

4.What role does the International Monetary Fund (IMF) play in the modern world?

5.Why do some experts believe that international organizations should

be reformed or eliminated?

Task 6: Translate the following sentences into English

1.Международные организации были созданы для улучшения взаимодействия между странами.

2.Некоторые эксперты считают, что эти организации стали бесполезными и нуждаются в реформе.

3.Международный валютный фонд изначально был создан как международный банк.

4.Политики часто открыты к созданию новых агентств для расширения своих полномочий.

5.Будущее международных организаций зависит от нескольких ключевых игроков на мировой арене.

Task 7: Short Essay

Write a short essay (150–200 words) discussing the importance of international governmental organizations in today’s world. Use at least five vocabulary words from the text.

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Text 13

POLITICAL STABILITY

In today’s world, there is a significant amount of uncertainty. We are dealing with the largest land war in Europe since WWII, there is a global pandemic that continues to wreak havoc on most of the world, and there are autocrats who are seeking to throw us into a new Cold War. As a result, many people are curious about the political stability of certain countries. When we are talking about political stability, we are referring to whether a country is prone to civil unrest and whether the government is prone to being overthrown. We are also talking about countries that have a peaceful transition of power whenever an election takes place.

Why Is Political Stability Important?

Political stability is important for a number of reasons. First, it is very difficult for a government to support its citizens if there is no stability. If a country is considered politically unstable, the people who run the country are going to be more concerned about keeping themselves in power and less concerned about providing the necessary support for its people. Furthermore, political stability is important because it allows countries to form alliances with others. If a country is deemed politically unstable, it will be difficult for other countries to take the leader of that country seriously. Finally, political stability is also important from a safety perspective. If a country is not politically stable, it is prone to having protests, riots, and even a full-out civil war in the worst situations.

What Is the Most Political Stable Country?

There are plenty of countries in the world that are considered politically stable, and most of them are located in the developed world. For example, Switzerland is generally called the most politically stable country on Earth. This is a country that takes a stance of isolationism whenever a conflict breaks out, and Switzerland was not even involved in World War 2. Furthermore, because it is so stable, it is widely considered to be the center of Europe’s economy. It was even major news when Switzerland broke with its long-standing policy of isolationism to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, even though every other country in Europe, except Belarus, did so.

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Английский язык. Тексты общественно-политической тематики: «обзор английской прессы»

Is The Political Stability of the United States Strong?

The United States is still widely considered to be the bastion of the Free World. Therefore, the United States is widely considered to be a politically stable country; however, this is something that has been tested significantly during the past few years. Efforts are being made to undermine free elections in the United States by casting doubt on whether the ballots that are cast are fair. In addition, there was a riot at the US Capitol on January 6th after the most recent presidential election, indicating that there were a lot of people who were embracing conspiracy theories about elections in the United States. Even though the country is still relatively stable, this is something that has been tested recently.

Task 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using the appropriate terms from the list (stability, civil unrest, government, alliances, protests)

1.Political __________ is essential for the well-being of a nation.

2.When there is a lack of political __________, citizens may experience disruptions in their daily lives.

3.A strong __________ can help a country navigate through international challenges.

4.Many countries face __________ when their leaders are not trusted by the people.

5.The __________ must ensure that the needs of its citizens are met to maintain order.

Task 2: Synonyms and Antonyms

Provide a synonym and antonym for the following words from the text

2.Support

•Synonym: __________

•Antonym: __________

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