Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly define social cohesion. Set the context of its relevance to governance. Key Points to Include: Social cohesion refers to the strength and quality of relationships within a society, including both horizontal (between citizens) and vertical (between citizens and ...
Model Answer The ethics of war is a deeply debated topic, especially in the context of contemporary international conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war or the Israel-Palestine conflict. While war is generally seen as a tragic and undesirable outcome, there are circumstances where it can be considereRead more
Model Answer
The ethics of war is a deeply debated topic, especially in the context of contemporary international conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war or the Israel-Palestine conflict. While war is generally seen as a tragic and undesirable outcome, there are circumstances where it can be considered ethical, based on several justifications.
Just War Principles
- Just Cause: War may be ethical if it is fought for a morally justified reason, such as preventing atrocities. For example, NATO’s intervention in Kosovo (1999) to stop ethnic cleansing is often cited as a just cause for military action.
- Self-Defense: If a nation is facing an existential threat, war may be ethical. India’s intervention in the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971) was deemed necessary to address the refugee crisis and secure borders.
- Last Resort: War becomes ethical when all diplomatic avenues fail. The Indo-Portuguese War (1961) followed prolonged attempts to resolve Goa’s political status peacefully.
Ethical Concerns
Despite these justifications, war often violates fundamental ethical principles. The deliberate targeting of civilians, such as in the Israel-Hamas war (2023), where thousands of children died, is considered morally unacceptable. Additionally, wars lead to long-term harm, such as displacement in the Syrian Civil War, and the use of weapons of mass destruction, like the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, raises serious ethical concerns.
In conclusion, while war can sometimes be deemed ethical under certain conditions, its devastating consequences often outweigh these justifications. The hope is for a world where war is a rare, last-resort option.
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Model Answer Social cohesion refers to the degree to which individuals and groups within a society are connected and support each other. It encompasses both horizontal relationships between citizens and vertical relationships between citizens and the state. In essence, social cohesion reflects the sRead more
Model Answer
Social cohesion refers to the degree to which individuals and groups within a society are connected and support each other. It encompasses both horizontal relationships between citizens and vertical relationships between citizens and the state. In essence, social cohesion reflects the strength of the bonds that unite people across different communities and ensure interdependence for the greater good.
Importance of Social Cohesion for Effective Governance
Socially cohesive societies create environments of trust, which are essential for effective governance. When citizens trust one another and their institutions, it fosters a stable environment conducive to economic growth and social well-being. For instance, the successful integration of social initiatives in Hiware Bazar village, Maharashtra, led to sustainable economic development by leveraging local ecology and fostering trust among residents.
Social cohesion enhances community involvement in governance. Citizens with strong communal ties are more likely to engage with and support government policies. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a notable example, where citizens, local authorities, and organizations collaborated to promote cleanliness and hygiene.
A cohesive society ensures fairness by minimizing inequalities and fostering social justice. Initiatives like the Kudumbashree in Kerala, which empowered women and alleviated poverty, exemplify how social cohesion leads to positive societal outcomes.
In summary, social cohesion is crucial for effective governance because it builds trust, promotes participation, and ensures social justice.
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