Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[lemah]

Hello friends,

I have an assignment to do the research and to write an essay on.
This is the topic given:

Will EU's enlargement undermine Russia's security concerns?

I thing I understand the overall meaning of that question, hovewer I am not 100% sure if my interpretation is correct. For this reason, I would like to ask if someone can give me his/her interpretation of that question, reformulating that into different one.

Aslo, taking advantage of that situation I would like to thank you all who contribute to the existance and vitality of this forum, especially those who answer the questions and help us learning English. I must say, although I do not take part in the discussions, I often follow them. That is really helpful.
I aprecciate your time and effort.


Thank you!

[bud]

Hi Lemah,

I think what is really meant is "Will [the] EU's enlargement exacerbate Russia's security concerns?" The worry is that Russia will believe itself to be more at risk, that its concerns will increase. Undermine means that their concerns would be reduced.

Another way to ask it is:

Will the addition of new members (countries) to the EU cause Russia to perceive greater threats to its security?

Hope that helps.

[Bill P.]

I would say:

As the European Union gets bigger, will this make Russia woory more about whether it is secure enough?

[Bill P.]

Correction: I spelled a word wrong. I meant to say:

As the European Union gets bigger, will this make Russia worry more about whether it is secure enough?