A return to cold war tensions
A big foreign policy challenge awaiting the next U.S. President is the frosty (रूखा/ ठंढा/ बेरुखा) relationship with an angry, resurgent (पुनस्र्त्थानशील/ फिर उठ खडा होने वाला) Russia. Talk about a post-Cold War partnership between the world’s two greatest military powers is now a thing of the past. It looks like a throwback to the Cold War days with Russia and the U.S. fighting a proxy war (छद्म युद्ध) in Ukraine, leading two competing military operations in Syria and raising allegations (आरोप) and counter-allegations on a host of issues, ranging from human rights violations and breaking international norms to interfering in each other’s domestic politics. Tensions came to a head this month when the U.S. pulled out of talks with Russia over the Syria conflict (टकराव/विवाद) . This was immediately after President Vladimir Putin abandoned (परित्यक्त/छोड़ा हुआ) a key nuclear disarmament (निशःस्त्रीकरण) treaty (समझौता/संधि) with Washington, demanding the removal of sanctions on Moscow. If the belligerence and intransigence both countries display are any indication, international politics is set to get a lot more murky (धुंधला/फीका/ संदेहास्पद) . There could be several triggers for this escalation, but the real problem is that the Cold War-era mistrust between Washington and Moscow was never really buried. Friction has been increasingly evident on the watch of President Putin, as he pursues an aggressive foreign policy framed around what he regards as Russian interests. This happened in Georgia in 2008, Ukraine in 2014 and Syria the year after. In turn, the Obama administration’s coercive (प्रतिरोधी/बलात/ बलपूर्वक) diplomacy in dealing with Russia’s aggression has widened the rift (अनबन/दरार/फूट) . The suspension of Russia from the G8 moved Moscow farther away from the West, while sanctions negated (नकार दिया/खंडन करना) the goodwill built, since the 1990s, between Moscow and the West.
To be sure, Russia is a shadow of what the Soviet Union was at its peak. Its economy is struggling in the wake of the slump (मंदी) in oil prices. Its currency is in a free fall. Its geopolitical influence is largely limited to the Central Asia and Caucasus. And its foreign policy doesn’t have any high moral ground—the interference in Ukraine was a direct threat to the modern international system, while in Syria it’s defending a brutal regime that’s accused of killing its own citizens. But in an international system largely dominated by the U.S., Russia, still an extremely consequential military power, remains the key player whose cooperation is necessary to resolve several of today’s crises (संकट) . Treating it as a “rogue (कुतृण/धूर्त)” nation or trying to isolate and weaken it through sanctions and other means could only be counterproductive. The Iran nuclear deal shows that even the most complex international issues could be resolved if Russia and the U.S. work together with creative diplomacy. Ideally, that should set the model for U.S.-Russia partnership.
Frosty (adjective)
Devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain. रूखा/ ठंडा/ बेरुखा
Synonyms: Gelid, Iced, Unfriendly, Lack of Cordiality
Example: The frosty nature of some nations towards each other, indirectly affecting the international trade scenario.
Resurgent (adjective)
Increasing or reviving after a period of little activity, popularity, or occurrence. पुनस्र्त्थानशील/ फिर उठ खडा होने वाला
Synonyms: Revived, Reinstituted, Invigorated, Renascent
Example: The enemy had also noticed the cloud of dust, but not as soon as they should have as their focus had been entirely directed upon us and our resurgent numbers
Allegation (noun)
A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof. आरोप
Synonyms: Accusation, Imputation, Indictment, Charge
Example: His reputation in the service had suffered from allegations of intemperate drinking, which, whether well founded or not, certainly impaired his usefulness as a soldier.
Abandon (verb)
Give up or leave completely (a practice or a course of action). छोड़ देना/परित्याग करना
Synonyms: Demit, Chuck Up, Renounce, Abnegate
Example: The police finally had to abandon their search after looking for the lost child for over a year
Disarmament (noun)
The reduction or withdrawal of military forces and weapons. निशःस्त्रीकरण
Synonyms: Demilitarization, Arms Reduction, Neutralizing
Example: In 1930, Britain, the U.S, Japan, France, and Italy all signed a naval disarmament treaty.
Treaty (noun)
A formally concluded and ratified agreement between states/countries. समझौता/संधि
Synonyms: Accord, Pact, Deal, Covenant
Example: The treaty on global warming signed in Brazil requires countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020.
Murky (adjective)
Obscure or morally questionable. धुंधला/फीका/ संदेहास्पद
Synonyms: Cloudy, Dim, Dusky, Faded, Pale
Example: Despite the darkness, the soldiers continued to make their way through the murky swamp.
Coercive (adjective)
Relating to or using force or threats. प्रतिरोधी/बलात/ बलपूर्वक
Synonyms: Forced, Intimidating
Example: The governor has a hereditary army for coercive purposes.
Rift (noun)
A serious break in friendly relations. अनबन/दरार/फूट
Synonyms: Crack, Breach, Estrangement, Miff, Antagonism
Example: A difference in perspectives caused a rift that forced the two friends to end their business partnership.
Negate (verb)
Make ineffective; nullify. इनकार करना/खंडन करना
Synonyms: Deny, Disavow, Disaffirm, Invalidate, Refuse
Example: By being clever, Marvin was able to negate his opponent’s strategy during the card game.
Slump (noun)
Undergo a sudden severe or prolonged fall in price, value, or amount. मंदी
Synonyms: Slowness, Tardiness, Lull
Example: “Profits have slumped somewhat this quarter”, said the CEO in common meeting.
Top court quashes FIRs against Gen Z protesters
Sep 04, 2026
Stay updated with The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app, your definitive source for breaking news and comprehensive coverage from India and around the globe. Whether it's political developments, business updates, sports highlights, the latest technology trends, or current events, The Hindu brings live, accurate, and reliable news directly to your device.
Don’t fall for sensationalized or fake news shared online. Read and share accurate updates with friends and family through The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app. Download it today!
News Coverage in The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 App
Breaking News: Receive instant notifications on breaking news stories as they unfold. Stay informed about major events and developments in India and around the world with live blogs, news in shorts videos, and concise articles.
Politics: Get the latest updates on Indian politics, including elections, policy changes, government decisions, and political events that shape the nation.
Business and Economy: Stay ahead in the economic landscape with detailed business news and market analysis. Learn about stock market trends, financial reports, corporate news, and economic developments to make informed investment decisions.
Current Events: Follow stories on social issues, policy changes, global events, and daily current affairs, tailored for UPSC and other competitive exam preparations.
Technology: Keep up with the latest gadgets, innovations, and tech trends. Read expert reviews and analyses in short, concise updates on cutting-edge technology from India and beyond.
Sports: Never miss a moment of your favorite sports. Get live scores, match reports, and expert analysis on cricket, football, tennis, and more.
International News: Stay informed about global events and geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict, and other key international stories.
Local News: Stay connected to your community with the latest updates on city events, issues, and local news. Coverage includes hyperlocal updates from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
Trending Topics: Discover what's trending today with the most talked-about stories and hot topics across India and the world.
Experience journalism that values integrity, accuracy, and reliability. Download The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app today and stay connected with the world.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
