Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Contextualize the Statement: Briefly explain what NATO is and its significance in global geopolitics. Thesis Statement: Clearly state your opinion on whether the expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership is beneficial for India. Body 1. ...
Answer: The Global South is a term often used to identify regions within Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania whose economies are developing and not yet fully developed vis-à-vis the Global North (North America and Western Europe). Although the majority of the Global South countries are locatedRead more
Answer: The Global South is a term often used to identify regions within Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania whose economies are developing and not yet fully developed vis-à-vis the Global North (North America and Western Europe). Although the majority of the Global South countries are located in the tropics or the Southern Hemisphere, the term itself is strictly economic. The ‘Global South’ is significant because of its large population, rich cultures, and abundant natural resources. However, the region faces new and upcoming challenges, which are the following:
- Global warming and climate crisis: The most affected would be the regions in the Global South as climate change fosters inequality, increases insecurity, destabilizes existing relationships, fuels forced migration, and intensifies competition for key and scarce resources.
- Interferences in the region: China is increasingly making inroads in the Global South through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for developing infrastructure, which exacerbates challenges of debt trap and loss of economic sovereignty.
- Food and energy insecurity: The recent Ukraine-Russia war has led to high prices for energy and food, posing immediate threats to human security, particularly among low-income and vulnerable populations in the Global South. It has also aggravated the debt vulnerabilities in the region.
- COVID-19 pandemic: It has significantly impacted countries in the Global South due to their inadequate access to basic resources such as clean water, healthcare, medicines, etc. Additionally, they often have limited access to resources such as financial capital, technology, and infrastructure.
The role that India can play in empowering the voice of the Global South includes:
- Democratization in the functioning of the multilateral institutions: India can bring together like-minded countries and raise a common voice for fair representation in multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations Security Council, etc.
- Unifying the Global South: India has successfully positioned itself as a 21st century powerhouse and can play a vital role in unifying the Global South. For instance, the recent “Voice of the Global South Summit” hosted by India provides a platform for a common future and shaping a new world order.
- Responsible and trusted partner: India has made efforts to set its engagement in the region based on sustainable development programs, unlike China. For instance, India’s Vaccine Maitri program provided medications and vaccinations to over 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Digital transformation of the region: India’s public digital assets like the UPI, RuPay, and India Stack can be powerful instruments for the digital transformation of other developing and emerging countries in the Global South.
India is committed to utilizing the G20 presidency to give resonance to the voice of the Global South. Recent initiatives to establish the Global South Science and Technology Initiative, Global South Center of Excellence for research on development strategies, etc. India is taking steps in the right direction.
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Model Answer Introduction The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949, is a political and military alliance aimed at ensuring collective security among its member states. Over the years, NATO has expanded and strengthened its presence, while the US and Europe have deepened theRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949, is a political and military alliance aimed at ensuring collective security among its member states. Over the years, NATO has expanded and strengthened its presence, while the US and Europe have deepened their strategic partnership. This evolving dynamic has implications for India, a rising global power with strategic interests in both security and economic domains.
Benefits for India
Concerns for India
Conclusion
While a stronger NATO and US-Europe partnership offers India opportunities in security, technology, and climate collaboration, it also presents challenges related to Russia, economic pressures, and sovereignty. India must navigate these dynamics carefully, prioritizing strategic autonomy while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. A balanced approach will ensure India’s national interests are safeguarded in an evolving global order.
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