annex - v. to add (an area or region) to a country, state, etc. : to take control of (a territory or place)

gross domestic product - n. phrase the total value of the goods and services produced by the people of a nation during a year not including the value of income earned in foreign countries — abbreviation GDP

let off the hook - expression release from responsibility

infrastructure - n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function properly