The US, UK, and EU have introduced massive sanctions against many Russian oligarchs. These rich and powerful men are thought to have influence over Russia’s leaders and policies - but why? What is an oligarch? And what is an oligarchy? Let’s talk about it on today’s episode of Thinking in English!

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/03/14/what-is-an-oligarchy/

Vocabulary List

Sanction (n) - an official order that is taken against a country in order to make it obey international law

Trade sanctions will be lifted if they agree to stop producing nuclear weapons

State (n) - a country and/or its government

Some museums are funded by the state

To skyrocket (v) - to rise extremely quickly or make extremely quick progress towards success

Housing prices have skyrocketed in recent months

To differ (v) - to be not like something or someone else

My views differ considerably from my parents

Defective (adj) - something that is defective has a fault in it and does not work correctly

My eyesight is defective so I wear glasses

Perverted (adj) - considered strange and unpleasant by most people

He has a sick and perverted sense of humour

Corrupt (adj) - dishonestly using your position or power to get an advantage, especially for money

That country’s police are very corrupt - you need to pay them if they stop your car

Disproportionate (adj) - too large or too small in comparison to something else, or not deserving its importance or influence

There are a disproportionate number of girls in my class

Tycoon (n) - a person who has become very rich and powerful

He made his fortune as a shipping tycoon

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142. What is an Oligarchy? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

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