Meaning: 'Driving' means to propel or push forward, suggesting that technology is a key factor that propels globalization.

Wrong options:

• demeaning: Demeaning means causing someone to feel degraded or belittled, which does not fit the context of technology's role in globalization.
• distinguishing: Distinguishing refers to recognizing or identifying differences, which does not convey the active role of technology in driving globalization.
• demanding: Demanding implies requiring a lot of effort or attention, which does not accurately describe technology's role as a force behind globalization.

Correct answer: periods

Explanation: The word 'periods' is appropriate as it refers to distinct phases in the timeline of globalization, fitting the context of the sentence. It is plural, which matches the reference to multiple stages of globalization as outlined by Friedman.

Meaning: 'Periods' refers to specific lengths of time characterized by particular events or developments, in this case, the phases of globalization.

Wrong options:

• periodicals: Periodicals are publications issued at regular intervals, which does not relate to the concept of timeframes in globalization.
• perspectives: Perspectives refer to viewpoints or ways of considering something, which does not fit the context of time periods in globalization.
• perceptions: Perceptions are interpretations or understandings of something, which does not align with the idea of distinct timeframes.

Correct answer: advantage

Explanation: The word 'advantage' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates a favorable condition or benefit. In this context, it suggests that countries that could leverage these power sources had a better position in the global landscape.

Meaning: 'Advantage' means a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position, particularly in the context of utilizing power sources for expansion.

Wrong options:

• action: Action refers to the process of doing something, which does not convey the idea of benefiting from power sources.
• account: Account typically means a record or report, which does not fit the context of benefiting from power sources.
• care: Care implies concern or attention, which does not relate to the idea of taking advantage of resources.

Correct answer: exert

Explanation: The word 'exert' is appropriate as it is a verb that means to apply or bring to bear (force, influence, etc.). It fits grammatically and contextually, indicating that countries were able to apply control over global politics during the specified time period.

Meaning: 'Exert' means to put forth effort or influence, particularly in the context of controlling political dynamics.

Wrong options:

• exist: Exist means to be present or alive, which does not convey the action of applying control over politics.
• extract: Extract means to remove or take out, which does not fit the context of applying control.
• expect: Expect means to anticipate or look forward to, which does not relate to the action of exerting control.