An economic crisis escalated during the 1990s and some people were paid in goods rather than money.

The era was prosperous but political crises were escalating out of control.

However, the crisis had already escalated such that the demands were now political, including free elections, disbanding the army and resignation of the government.

The betting is that neither side will let the crisis escalate, because their trade relationship is too cozy.

The crisis escalated to the verge of formal war, but was resolved by diplomacy.

As the crisis escalates, the critics pile on further.

"Since the end of the cold war the number of these refugee crises has escalated dramatically."

He said he did not believe that Syria benefited by seeing the crisis escalate.

If this is not done, and done very soon, then the crisis in the sector can only escalate.

The crisis escalated into violence in late April.