What is your opinion on the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) current efficacy in handling international conflicts?(Answer in 150 words)
Model Answer Introduction India’s foreign policy has evolved significantly, moving away from its historical image as a champion for oppressed and marginalized nations. This shift reflects a new role in the emerging global order, where national interests now take precedence over collective interestsRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s foreign policy has evolved significantly, moving away from its historical image as a champion for oppressed and marginalized nations. This shift reflects a new role in the emerging global order, where national interests now take precedence over collective interests of developing countries.
Body
1. Historical Leadership and Idealism
India’s leadership credentials were robust during the Cold War, characterized by its advocacy for smaller economies and vulnerable nations. For instance:
- WTO Contributions: India played a pivotal role in the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO), advocating for the interests of developing nations in trade negotiations.
- Climate Change Advocacy: India historically supported vulnerable nations in climate negotiations, emphasizing the need for equitable solutions.
2. Shift in Foreign Policy Perspective
In recent years, India has prioritized economic development and national interests:
- Economic Growth Focus: India’s foreign policy now emphasizes positioning itself as a global power, moving towards Realpolitik rather than idealism.
- Engagement in International Forums: At the Havana NAM Summit in 2006, India’s focus shifted to key global issues, including anti-terrorism and energy security, aligning its policies with its economic ambitions.
3. Regional Dynamics and Global Strategy
India’s approach to regional forums and its strategic foreign policy have also evolved:
- SAARC Stagnation: India’s boycott of Pakistan in the SAARC forum has led to stagnation, delaying development projects for smaller neighboring countries.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: Increased involvement in the QUAD reflects India’s concerns about China’s influence, prioritizing national security in the Indo-Pacific region.
4. Criticism and Allegations
India faces scrutiny for its changing role:
- Interference Allegations: Criticism of India’s perceived interference in the internal affairs of neighbors like Nepal has strained relations.
- Dilution of Climate Advocacy: In recent Paris negotiations, India’s stance on climate change has faced dilution, reflecting a shift from its earlier, more idealistic positions.
Conclusion
India’s transition from a leader of the oppressed to a major global player marks a significant transformation in its foreign policy. This shift towards Realpolitik indicates its growing ambitions and the importance of contributing to a rules-based international order, shaping the future of global relations.
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<strong>Answer:</strong> The <strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</strong> is the principal crisis-management body of the United Nations (UN), empowered to impose binding obligations on the member states to maintain peace. The council's <strong>five permanentRead more
<strong>Answer:</strong> The <strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</strong> is the principal crisis-management body of the United Nations (UN), empowered to impose binding obligations on the member states to maintain peace. The council’s <strong>five permanent and ten elected members</strong> meet regularly to assess threats to international security, including civil wars, natural disasters, arms proliferation, and terrorism, using tools granted under Chapter VI, VII of the UN Charter as well as peacekeeping missions. <strong>Effectiveness of these tools in managing conflicts:</strong> <ul> <li>The Security Council has authorized <strong>59 peacekeeping operations in the years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991,</strong> many responding to failing states, civil wars or complex humanitarian emergencies and deploying to conflict zones in the absence of cease fires or parties consent.</li> <li>Under more muscular mandates, they have<strong> combined military operations</strong> including less restrictive rules of engagement that allow for civilian and refugee protection <strong>with civilian tasks</strong> such as policing, electoral assistance and legal administration.</li> <li><strong>Regional organizations</strong> have played an increasingly important role in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, in some cases <strong>prodding the Council</strong> to action and in others <strong>acting as subcontractors</strong> on its behalf. For instance, the Council authorized the use of force in Libya in 2011 after the Arab League called for a no-fly zone, which NATO then executed.</li> <li>Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Security Council passed Resolution <strong>2532,</strong> which called for a <strong>90-day humanitarian pause in armed conflicts worldwide,</strong> with an exception for conflicts against designated terrorist groups.</li> </ul> However, there remain issues, which<strong> hamper its effectiveness in managing conflicts and maintaining global peace and security</strong> owing to various reasons like: <ul> <li><strong>Difficulty in functioning:</strong> For instance, during the Syrian conflict, Russia, sometimes joined by China, used its <strong>veto power</strong> nearly twenty times to block resolutions aimed at holding the Assad regime accountable for atrocities documented by UN sources.</li> <li><strong>Frequent use of sanctions:</strong> The sanctions target discrete economic and political matters and specific individuals deemed threats to international security. As of 2021, fourteen sanctions, listing more than 600 individuals and nearly 300 entities, are in place. <strong>Targeted sanctions have raised human rights concerns</strong> of their own.</li> <li><strong>Military force:</strong> Under the UN charter, members can only use force in self-defence or when they have obtained authorization from the Council. However, members and coalitions of countries have <strong>often used military force outside of these contexts.</strong> For instance, NATO’s 78-day air war in Kosovo.</li> <li><strong>Emergence of R2P:</strong> The emergence of the responsibility to protect (R2P) in the early 2000s signifies the failure of UNSC in managing the conflicts.</li> </ul> Therefore, the UNSC must be reformed to ensure inclusiveness of emerging global powers and maintain regional balance in decision making. Various concerns such as power dynamics, block within P5, encroaching on state sovereignty etc. need to be resolved on priority.
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