Kryachkov 2!indd

dismissed the idea that __________ since __________.
4. __________ of the country is generally attributed to __________.
5. Russia’s foreign policy in CIS countries is geared towards __________.
6. In his address to __________, the President said that __________ set(s) a benchmark for 
__________ and the hope is that __________.
7. __________ can be used as a benchmark in/for __________.

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230
Д. А. Крячков
UNIT VIII
8. The 
credibility gap between __________ and __________ can be bridged if/by __________.
9. __________ clearly proves that __________ is/are locked in a __________ mindset.
10. After __________, __________ has come under public scrutiny.
11. The strategy of engagement with __________ is only possible if __________.
Ex. 11. Answer the questions using the words and phrases from Ex. 4 and Ex. 6.
1. 
How would you define the Cold War mindset? Do you think the world has moved out of it?
2. What are the benchmarks by which a country’s importance in the international arena can be 
measured?
3. What does a country’s credibility hinge on? What, if anything, can damage or boost it?
4. 
Can you think of any recent actions of the Russian government, some international institution 
or a regional association which have taken a heavy toll on its credibility?
5. What are some of the points of convergence between Russia and the West? 
6. What can be regarded as a benchmark of a successful cooperation with the West in general 
and NATO in particular? 
7. 
What kind of mindset do you think it takes to succeed in modernizing the country?
8. Should NGOs’ activities in Russia be subjected to public scrutiny? Why (not)?
9. Has Russia managed to get out of the mindset of catching up with the West?
10. In your view, is the credibility gap between Russia and the West closing?
11. Do you think there are any issues on which Russia should not engage with its partners in 
BRICS/the Eurasian Union/NATO?
Ex. 12. Translate the sentences using the vocabulary of the unit.