Kryachkov 2!indd

226
Д. А. Крячков
UNIT VIII
Third, the Western reappraisal should be geared to neo-engagement, not neo-containment. 
In fact no major Western government or organization is pursuing “neo-containment.” If the West 
is to have an influence, it will be felt predominantly through the power of example, the flow of 
information and human contact. Isolation is wholly counter-productive: the case should not need 
arguing again. 
* * *
Policy should not be based on a misplaced presumption of confrontation. We are not — yet — 
in a confrontation. We need to rebuild trust, step by step, by cooperating where we share interests. 
That will require levels of statesmanship and sobriety in rhetoric and behavior which have recently 
been conspicuous by their absence; and a realistic perspective on the situation we are in and the 
problems we face.
It will be a slow process. But a time will come a few years hence when genuine partnership is 
feasible. It may be inoperable now, but it is a worthy long-term objective. We may no longer be at 
the “dawn of a new golden age,” but in a few years’ time we shall be in a different situation and — 
with luck — a more rational environment. 
COMPREHENSION 
Ex. 1. Identify the topic and the thesis of the text. Make sure they are neither too 
broad nor too narrow.
Ex. 2. Suggest Russian equivalents for these word combinations 
from the text.
in the wake of 9/11
bitter arguments over
to play up 
at odds over missile defense
reconnaissance aircraft
the rule of law
to hatch plans
nuclear capabilities
malaise
parting of the ways
to dismember
bargaining chips
to resurrect the specter of
interceptor missiles
political gambit
proxy conflict
not a shred of evidence
the cavalier attitude
Ex. 3. Think of several questions to bring out the main ideas and arguments the 
author puts forward in support of his thesis.
VOCABULARY
Ex. 4. Translate the following words and phrases, reproduce the context in which the 
words in (a) are used in the text (the lines of the text are indicated to help you).
a)
to discern (1–10)
trump card (10–20)
imminent (30–40)
to dismiss (30–40) 
scrutiny (30–40)
to attribute smth to smth/smb (40–50)
mindset (40–50)
to exacerbate (60–70)
to converge (90–100) 
to take a toll (90–100)
to gear (110–120)
benchmark (110–120)
credibility (120–130)
engagement (120–130)
feasible (130–140) 
130
140

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