As Russia's Leader, Putin Strengthened the Russian State Against the Forces

As Russia's leader, Putin strengthened the Russian state against the forces of disintegration that emerged after communism through all of the following except

A) being very unpopular with the public.
B) the emergence of a growing middle class.
C) restrictions placed on the media.
D) attempting to increase the population by expanding maternity benefits and grants to mothers.
E) winning international acceptance, making Russia a major international player.