Vocabulary (Closest Meaning) – Choose the option that best matches the sense of the highlighted word in context. Sentence: The International Community may begin to doubt the “credentials” of the largest democracy in the world.

Introduction / Context:
In diplomacy and public discourse, “credentials” often extends beyond documents to mean a state’s credibility or standing. The sentence suggests that the global community may doubt the nation’s legitimacy or reliability in democratic practice, not its finances or abstract doctrines.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: credentials in geopolitical rhetoric.
• Sense focus: credibility/standing, not paperwork alone.
• Options include principles, dependability, loan capacity, trustworthiness.

Concept / Approach:
We must choose a near-synonym that captures “credibility” or “repute.” While “dependability” is close, “trustworthiness” directly captures the evaluative belief in a country’s claims and behavior, aligning with “doubt the credentials” as “doubt the credibility.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “begin to doubt the trustworthiness/credibility of the largest democracy.” The sentence remains natural and semantically equivalent, confirming the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• principles: Means moral tenets; not a synonym for credentials.
• dependability: Close, but typically about consistent performance; “trustworthiness” better matches credibility.
• capacity to return loans: Irrelevant to democratic credentials.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “credentials” only with documents; in rhetoric it often means broader credibility or bona fides.

Final Answer:
trustworthiness