de facto – adj. used to describe something that exists but that is not officially accepted or recognized
sanctions - n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc. — usually plural
skeptical – adj. having or expressing distrust about something
era – n. a period of time that is linked with a particular quality, event, person
transformation - n. a complete or major change in someone's or something's appearance, form, etc.
prosperity – n. the state of being successful usually by making a lot of money
resources – n. something that a country has and can use to increase its wealth
unilaterally - adj. involving only one group or country
unfortunate - adj. having bad luck