What is your opinion on the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) current efficacy in handling international conflicts?(Answer in 150 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:
- Gandhian principles: Gandhiji’s philosophy of non-violence and truth inspired anti-colonial and civil rights movements in Africa and the USA. October 2nd is recognized as the International Day of Nonviolence by the UN.
- Democracy: India’s status as the world’s largest democracy, its commitment to democratic principles, and inclusive governance model contribute to its global soft power.
- Indian diaspora: The influential Indian diaspora enhances India’s image through contributions in diverse fields such as science and technology, finance, etc., fostering respect and promoting India’s culture and education.
- Cultural influence: India’s ancient civilization, cultural diversity, inclusivity, and artistic heritage contribute significantly to its soft power.
- Entertainment industry: Indian film industries’ vibrant storytelling, music, and dance sequences have created a massive international following, projecting Indian values and culture.
- Yoga and ayurveda: India’s ancient practices of yoga and ayurveda have gained global recognition for their holistic approach to health.
- Diplomacy and international relations: India’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution,disarmament, and participation in UN peacekeeping missions enhances its global standing.
- Addressing global challenges: India’s role in tackling challenges like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic has been recognized globally.
- Educational and cultural exchanges: India promotes understanding and collaboration through educational and cultural exchanges, attracting international students and creating lasting connections.
The government of India has taken several initiatives to promote India’s soft power, such as:
- It has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, promoting its values of democracy, pluralism, and non-alignment with the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
- India has promoted its culture through the Incredible India campaign and attracted people from all parts of the world to India. Also, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations has been set up in different parts of the world. It formulates and implements policies and programmes to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries and to promote cultural exchange with other countries and people.
- India has taken the role of first responder in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations as seen in the Tsunami of 2004, earthquakes in Nepal and Turkey, cyclones in Myanmar and Bangladesh, Vaccine Maitri initiative etc.
- India has taken a leadership position in fighting climate change and has launched several initiatives, such as Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement and the International Solar Alliance.
- Through India’s efforts, International Day for Yoga was declared on 21st May to celebrate the role of yoga in holistic health and well-being.
- India’s developmental and connectivity projects in countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Maldives have made a positive contribution towards better connectivity and has improved people’s socio-economic lives.
- India holds Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas each year to celebrate the achievements of the Indian diaspora and recognize their contribution to national development.
- India has instituted education and training programmes for students from other countries to receive quality education in the fields of science, technology, administration, military, etc.
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.
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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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