decay - v. to slowly lose strength, health, etc.

decline - v. to become lower in amount or less in number

dramatic - adj. sudden and extreme

confront - v. to oppose or challenge especially in a direct and forceful way

consolidate - v. to join or combine together into one thing

authoritarian - adj. expecting or requiring people to obey rules or laws

entrenched - adj. to place (someone or something) in a very strong position that cannot easily be changed

fundamental - adj. forming or relating to the most important part of something

monitor - v. to watch, observe, listen to, or check (something) for a special purpose over a period of time