Question:
In the evolving world order, the comparative advantage of the United States lies in its military force. Diplomacy and international law have always been regarded as annoying encumbrances, unless they can be used to advantage against an enemy. Every active player in world affairs professes to seek only peace and to prefer negotiation to violence and coercion.
In the evolving world order, the comparative advantage of the United States lies in its military force. Diplomacy and international law have always been regarded as annoying encumbrances, unless they can be used to advantage against an enemy. Every active player in world affairs professes to seek only peace and to prefer negotiation to violence and coercion.
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When choosing the best completion, select the one that is both direct and mirrors the tone and imagery of the passage — here, “mask” matches the metaphor of concealment perfectly.
Updated On: Jul 31, 2025
- However, diplomacy has often been used as a mask by nations which intended to use force.
- However, when the veil is lifted, we commonly see that diplomacy is understood as a disguise for the rule of force.
- However, history has shown that many of these nations do not practice what they profess.
- However, history tells us that peace is professed by those who intend to use violence.
- However, when unmasked, such nations reveal a penchant for the use of force.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The passage highlights that although nations claim to value peace and negotiation, in reality, diplomacy often serves as a cover for military intentions. The statement that best completes the idea is one that directly connects diplomacy to concealed aggression.
- Option (1) directly matches the passage’s implication — diplomacy is a “mask” for force.
- Option (2) is similar but overly wordy and less direct, making it a weaker choice.
- Option (3) is true in meaning but too broad and vague, missing the imagery of concealment.
- Option (4) focuses on intent but loses the direct connection to diplomacy.
- Option (5) is close in meaning but less precise than option (1).
Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{Option (1)}} \]
- Option (2) is similar but overly wordy and less direct, making it a weaker choice.
- Option (3) is true in meaning but too broad and vague, missing the imagery of concealment.
- Option (4) focuses on intent but loses the direct connection to diplomacy.
- Option (5) is close in meaning but less precise than option (1).
Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{Option (1)}} \]
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