Choose the appropriate option to complete the following sentence:-

Nations which have ____ programmes of economic development often run into unsuspecting barriers which threaten and often delay their projects.

initiated

The correct answer is Option (3) → initiated

Initiated means started, which fits perfectly.

• Embarked is incorrect here because it must be used as “embarked on programmes” (the preposition on is missing).

• Propagated means spread or promoted—does not fit the meaning.

• Suspended means stopped—opposite of what is intended.