tough – adj. strong, hard, difficult
abstain – v. to not take part, to withhold
author – n. the person who writes a book, story, or article
smear – v. to try to make others think badly of a person, to unfairly try to harm someone’s reputation
intimidate – v. to make someone afraid
collusion – n. secret cooperation for dishonest purposes
consult – v. to discuss something to make a decision
hardline – adj. severe, tough
zone – n. an area that is different from others for certain reasons
sanctions – n. measures taken to punish a country to force it to obey international laws, usually by limiting trade
engagement – n. being involved with