Security, stability, and strength are regarded as the cornerstones of international relations. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
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 Introduction International relations encompass the interactions among nations, including diplomatic, economic, and military engagements. The effectiveness of these interactions is grounded in three fundamental pillars: strength, peace, and security. Each pillar plays a critical role inRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
International relations encompass the interactions among nations, including diplomatic, economic, and military engagements. The effectiveness of these interactions is grounded in three fundamental pillars: strength, peace, and security. Each pillar plays a critical role in shaping the dynamics of global relations and ensuring a stable international environment.
Body
1. Strength
Strength refers to a nation’s capability to protect its interests, maintain sovereignty, and project power globally. This can be manifested through military, economic, and diplomatic means.
2. Peace
Peace represents the absence of conflict and the presence of cooperation and stability among nations. It is often achieved through diplomatic efforts, international law, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
3. Security
Security involves protecting a nation’s populace, territory, and interests from both internal and external threats. This can be achieved through military alliances, intelligence operations, and law enforcement.
Conclusion
The pillars of strength, peace, and security are interrelated and essential for fostering stable international relations. Strong nations are better equipped to contribute to global peace and security, while peaceful and secure nations can leverage their stability to promote strength and cooperation. As global interdependence increases, nations must collaborate to address common challenges, reinforcing these pillars to enhance mutual benefit and global stability.
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