Choose the word or phrase that best defines the italicized word.
“it was a tiny incident in itself, but it gave me a better glimpse than i had had before of the real
nature of imperialism—the real motives for which (despotic) governments act.”

authoritarian
democratic
monarchist
socialist

Among the options above, the word that best defines the italicized word despotic is AUTHORITARIAN. Despotic means tyrannical and exercising power, enforcing strict obedience. Authoritarian also means enforcing strict obedience to the authorities in the government at the expense of personal freedom. I hope this helps.