Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
Examine the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’s (Quad) importance in light of the Indo-Pacific region’s changing strategic environment. Talk about the Quad’s main areas of focus, which include climate change, crucial and emerging technologies, and maritime security, and assess how it might ...
What is your opinion on the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) current efficacy in handling international conflicts?(Answer in 150 words)
<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.
See lessIndia has made the use of soft power a key component of its foreign strategy in an effort to improve its reputation and position internationally. Talk about the declaration and the actions the administration has taken. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer: Soft power refers to a nation's ability to influence others through non-coercive means, such as culture, values, diplomacy, education, and economic attractiveness. India, with its rich history, diverse culture, and democratic values, has effectively utilized soft power to enhance its globalRead more
Answer:
Soft power refers to a nation’s ability to influence others through non-coercive means, such as culture, values, diplomacy, education, and economic attractiveness.
India, with its rich history, diverse culture, and democratic values, has effectively utilized soft power to enhance its global standing in the following manner:
The government of India has taken several initiatives to promote India’s soft power, such as:
Although India’s soft power has created a favourable image of India in the world, to truly emerge as a leading power in the world, India must ensure that it continues on the path of higher economic development, technological progress and modernisation of the military.
See lessDebt-trap diplomacy: what is it? What effects does China’s debt-trap diplomacy have on India’s interests in the surrounding region? (Answer in 150 words)
Answer: Debt-trap diplomacy is an international financial relationship where one creditor country consciously extends excessive credit to another country with the intention of extracting economic or political concessions from the debtor country when it is unable to honour its debt obligations. ChinaRead more
Answer: Debt-trap diplomacy is an international financial relationship where one creditor country consciously extends excessive credit to another country with the intention of extracting economic or political concessions from the debtor country when it is unable to honour its debt obligations. China’s debt-trap diplomacy with respect to India’s neighbouring countries has gained significant attention in recent years. For example, China took Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port on a 99-year lease, on account of Sri Lanka’s failure to pay Chinese debt. Further, Myanmar has 40 percent of its total debt to China with high interest rates. Its impact on India’s interests in the neighbourhood:
India is looking to maintain its influence in the region and counter the growing debt-trap initiatives of neighbouring China via cooperative strategies and humanitarian aid. India has also been advocating for transparent and sustainable lending practices and promoting regional cooperation mechanisms that uphold principles of sovereignty, inclusivity, and respect for international norms.
See lessA new multipolar system is emerging in West Asia, with China’s influence expanding. This marks the end of US hegemony. Talk about it critically. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer: The political scientists are of the opinion that China under Xi Jinping has come up to be a challenge for the global power ecosystem that has been largely led by the West for decades. This is being reflected through the larger US-China tussle, which is slowly taking shape in West Asia, whichRead more
Answer: The political scientists are of the opinion that China under Xi Jinping has come up to be a challenge for the global power ecosystem that has been largely led by the West for decades. This is being reflected through the larger US-China tussle, which is slowly taking shape in West Asia, which has remained one of the largest spheres of influence for the US. The growing influence of China in West Asia can be seen in the following ways:
However, it is too early to declare the end of US hegemony in the region.
Amidst the US-China narrative, Russia is also considered a desirable player in the Middle East, as it is playing strategic roles in Libya and Syria. Though it would be too early to declare the end of US hegemony in West Asia, the dawn of a multi-polar world is expected in the near future.
See less
The Quad's Significance in the Evolving Indo-Pacific The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) plays a growing role in the Indo-Pacific's strategic landscape, marked by China's rising assertiveness. Here's an assessment of its significance: Countering China's Influence: While not a formal militaryRead more
The Quad’s Significance in the Evolving Indo-Pacific
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) plays a growing role in the Indo-Pacific’s strategic landscape, marked by China’s rising assertiveness. Here’s an assessment of its significance:
Countering China’s Influence: While not a formal military alliance, the Quad is seen as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing economic and military power. Its combined naval strength ensures freedom of navigation in the contested South China Sea, vital for global trade.
Focus Areas and Potential:
Maritime Security: Joint naval exercises and information sharing enhance regional security and deter aggressive actions.
Critical and Emerging Technologies: Collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G infrastructure builds a secure and competitive technological ecosystem, independent of China’s dominance.
Climate Change: Cooperation on clean energy development, disaster management, and sustainable development tackles a shared regional threat.
Contribution to a Free and Open Order:
Rules-based Order: The Quad promotes adherence to international law and peaceful settlement of disputes, fostering a stable regional environment.
See lessFreedom of Navigation and Trade: The focus on maritime security ensures open sea lanes, crucial for global trade and economic prosperity.
Inclusive Development: Collaboration on infrastructure, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance benefits the entire Indo-Pacific region, not just Quad members.
Challenges and Uncertainties:
Level of Commitment: The Quad is still a young grouping with evolving goals. The actual level of military and economic cooperation remains to be seen.
Internal Disagreements: Quad members have varying strategic priorities. Balancing their individual interests with shared goals will be crucial.
China’s Response: China views the Quad with suspicion, potentially leading to regional tensions and a “bloc mentality.”
Conclusion:
The Quad has the potential to be a significant player in shaping the Indo-Pacific’s future. Its focus on shared security, technology, and climate change aligns with a free and open regional order. However, overcoming potential internal divisions and navigating China’s response will be key to its long-term success.