Benchmark

 

A benchmark is a point of reference for comparison, evaluation, and assessment. It is often used in politics as a point of achievement or smaller goal accomplished along the path to accomplishing the overall or larger goal(s).

 

Example:

 

“The main benchmark by which analysts gauge Iran's ability to produce an atomic bomb is the "breakout" time — the time needed for Iran to produce enough weapons-grade enriched uranium for one nuclear bomb. It is currently estimated at a couple of months; under the terms of the deal, that time frame has been extended to at least one year.”

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Reference:

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/07/14/the-historic-nuclear-deal-with-iran-how-it-works/