A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: force

Explanation: The word 'force' fits grammatically as a noun that refers to physical power or strength, which is appropriate in the context of not using violence or coercion to resolve disputes. It aligns with the sentiment of peaceful negotiation.

Meaning: 'Force' refers to physical power or strength, especially when used to compel or coerce someone, which is relevant in the context of international relations and conflict resolution.

Wrong options:

• might: Might is a modal verb indicating possibility, which does not fit the context of a noun needed here.
• vigor: Vigor refers to physical strength and good health, but it does not convey the idea of coercion or violence in this context.
• control: Control implies power over something but does not specifically denote the use of violence or force, making it less suitable.

Correct answer: over

Explanation: The preposition 'over' is used to indicate the subject of a dispute, making it the correct choice as it shows the relationship between the countries and the issue at hand.

Meaning: 'Over' in this context means regarding or concerning, indicating the subject of the dispute is the oil-rich region.

Wrong options:

• on: On typically indicates a surface or a topic but does not convey the same relational meaning as 'over' in disputes.
• in: In suggests being inside something, which does not fit the context of a dispute between two nations.
• at: At indicates a specific location or point, which is not appropriate for discussing the subject of a dispute.

Correct answer: reaffirmed

Explanation: The verb 'reaffirmed' is used correctly here as it means to state again or confirm, which fits the context of a leader expressing commitment to peace.

Meaning: 'Reaffirmed' means to confirm or assert again, indicating a strong commitment to peace.

Wrong options:

• verified: Verified means to confirm the truth or accuracy of something, which does not convey the same sense of commitment as 'reaffirmed.'
• reinforced: Reinforced suggests strengthening something already established, but it does not imply the act of confirming a commitment as strongly as 'reaffirmed.'
• acknowledged: Acknowledged means to recognize or admit something, which lacks the proactive connotation of commitment that 'reaffirmed' carries.

Correct answer: exploit

Explanation: The verb 'exploit' fits grammatically and contextually as it means to make full use of and benefit from resources, which is appropriate in the context of utilizing sovereign space.

Meaning: 'Exploit' means to make use of a resource effectively, particularly in a beneficial way, which is relevant to the context of sovereignty and resource management.

Wrong options:

• harness: Harness means to control and make use of something, but it does not convey the same assertive connotation as 'exploit.'
• leverage: Leverage implies using something to maximum advantage, but it is less direct than 'exploit' in this context.
• capitalize: Capitalize means to take advantage of something, but it lacks the directness and assertiveness of 'exploit' in terms of resource utilization.

Correct answer: circumstances

Explanation: The noun 'circumstances' fits well as it refers to the conditions or facts affecting a situation, which is appropriate in the context of not threatening or using force.

Meaning: 'Circumstances' refers to the specific conditions or facts surrounding a situation, which is relevant to the context of international relations and agreements.

Wrong options:

• context: Context refers to the situation or background, but it does not fit as a condition under which actions are taken.
• position: Position implies a stance or location, which does not convey the idea of conditions affecting actions as 'circumstances' does.
• conditions: Conditions could fit, but 'circumstances' is more commonly used in this context to refer to the broader situation.