Meaning: 'Element' means a basic or essential part of something, suggesting that there is a significant truth in the aphorism regarding foreign policy and borders.

Wrong options:

• refer: The verb 'refer' does not fit grammatically as it requires a subject and does not convey a noun form that would complete the sentence meaningfully.
• handle: The verb 'handle' implies managing or dealing with something, which does not align with the context of discussing a fundamental truth.
• stirred: The past participle 'stirred' suggests a physical action or emotional response, which does not fit the context of discussing an aspect of truth.

Correct answer: formative

Explanation: The word 'formative' is an adjective that describes the early years of a state, indicating a period that shapes or influences its development. This fits contextually as it refers to the crucial early years in establishing relationships with neighbors.

Meaning: 'Formative' means relating to the development or formation of something, particularly in its early stages, emphasizing the importance of these years in shaping a state's foreign policy.

Wrong options:

• discuss: The verb 'discuss' does not fit grammatically as it does not describe a time period and is not an adjective that would modify 'years.'
• inclusive: The adjective 'inclusive' suggests something that includes a variety of elements, which does not specifically relate to the developmental aspect of early years.
• decisive: While 'decisive' implies a significant impact, it does not convey the idea of development or shaping that 'formative' does.

Correct answer: influenced

Explanation: The word 'influenced' is the past participle of the verb 'influence,' which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes how a state's frontier policy affects its relationships with neighbors. It indicates a change or effect caused by the policy.

Meaning: 'Influenced' means to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, highlighting the impact of frontier policy on relationships.

Wrong options:

• managed: The verb 'managed' implies control or administration, which does not accurately describe the effect of a policy on relationships in this context.
• subscribed: The verb 'subscribed' suggests agreement or support, which does not fit the context of describing how relationships are affected by policy.
• affected: While 'affected' is similar in meaning, it does not fit grammatically as well as 'influenced' does in this context.

Correct answer: settled

Explanation: The word 'settled' is an adjective that describes borders that are established and recognized. It fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the absence of clear and defined borders, which is crucial to the meaning of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Settled' means established or fixed, indicating that there are no clearly defined borders in the context discussed.

Wrong options:

• satellite: The noun 'satellite' refers to an object orbiting another, which does not relate to the concept of borders and is irrelevant in this context.
• set: The adjective 'set' implies something that is fixed but does not convey the specific meaning of established borders as 'settled' does.
• stated: The past participle 'stated' suggests something that has been declared, which does not fit the context of describing the nature of borders.

Correct answer: allegiance

Explanation: The word 'allegiance' is a noun that refers to loyalty or commitment to a sovereign or government. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes what empire builders sought from kings and princes, aligning with the theme of loyalty in governance.

Meaning: 'Allegiance' means loyalty or devotion to a ruler or state, indicating the relationship between the empire builders and the local rulers they sought to control.

Wrong options:

• elegant: The adjective 'elegant' describes something graceful or stylish, which does not fit the context of loyalty or political relationships.
• aspiration: The noun 'aspiration' refers to a hope or ambition, which does not convey the idea of loyalty or commitment required in this context.
• execution: The noun 'execution' refers to carrying out a plan or order, which does not relate to the concept of loyalty or allegiance.

Correct answer: adjoining

Explanation: The word 'adjoining' is an adjective that describes something that is next to or in contact with something else. It fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to areas that are next to the frontiers, emphasizing their geographical relationship.

Meaning: 'Adjoining' means being next to or connected with something else, indicating the proximity of buffer states to the frontiers.

Wrong options:

• bringing: The verb 'bringing' does not fit grammatically as it implies an action rather than describing a spatial relationship.
• capturing: The verb 'capturing' suggests taking control of something, which does not relate to the geographical context of the areas next to the frontiers.
• stating: The verb 'stating' implies declaring or expressing something, which does not fit the context of describing geographical proximity.