A cataclysm is a huge event that affects a lot of people. Cataclysms can be natural disasters like a hurricane, or they can be man-made events like a war.
To pore over something is to study it very carefully. You might pore over a piece of literature, or you might pore over a map to plan your route.
Militaristic is a word that describes something that is related to or influenced by the military. Militaristic attitudes are often very conservative, and they focus on strength and order instead of democracy and freedom.
An autocrat is a ruler or leader who is not elected by the people. They usually have very little freedom, and they are usually not allowed to criticize the government or their leaders.
A guesstimate is a guess or estimate, and it's usually not very accurate. When you guesstimate how much something costs, you're probably going to end up being wrong.
To stash something is to hide it away. You might stash your valuables away in a safe place, or you might stash your food away in the fridge.
Wastage is the act of wasting something, of using it in a way that is not useful or useful only in small doses.
Defeatism is the belief that you are destined to lose a battle or a war. Some people who are defeatist feel that there is no point in fighting, because they are sure that they will lose.
To convene is to gather together. When the government convenes, they are gathering together to discuss important matters.