In 2013, protests by citizens in Ukraine forced the country’s pro-Russian leader out of office for reneging on an association with the European Union. A new president took over and signed the agreement. Russians saw in this as __________

a. a need to rebuild their military strength in order to keep Western influence away from bordering countries, as suggested by the realist approach
b. a need to begin diplomatic talks with Western leaders about relations with states traditionally in Russia’s sphere of influence, while stressing a desire to be seen as an equal, as suggested by the constructivist take on Russia’s world view
c. a political problem that could be addressed by renewed economic development efforts, more favorable trade agreements, and subsidies with neighboring states, as suggested by the liberal approach
d. an opportunistic ploy by Western nations to gain power over territories bordering Russia, demonstrating the power of the constructivist take on Russia’s outlook

Answer: D