MPSE 01 – INDIA & THE WORLD

 

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IGNOU - MA ( POLITICAL SCIENCE)

MPSE 01 – INDIA & THE WORLD

DEC TEE 2023

1. Discuss India’s world view.

India's world view is shaped by a combination of historical, cultural, geopolitical, and ideological factors, which influence its approach to international relations. Some key elements of India's world view include:

1. Historical Perspective: India has a rich history dating back thousands of years, characterized by ancient civilizations, cultural exchanges, and trade routes. This historical legacy fosters a sense of continuity and resilience, shaping India's identity as a civilization with deep roots and diverse traditions.
2. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): India played a pivotal role in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War era. NAM espoused principles of independence, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence, advocating for a world order free from bloc politics and military alliances. India's participation in NAM reflects its commitment to multilateralism, neutrality, and global solidarity.
3. Pluralism and Diversity: India's pluralistic society, with its rich tapestry of languages, religions, and cultures, informs its world view. India values diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity, advocating for respect for cultural differences and dialogue among civilizations. This emphasis on pluralism shapes India's approach to global issues, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding.
4. Strategic Autonomy: India seeks to maintain strategic autonomy and pursue an independent foreign policy based on its national interests. India's strategic autonomy is reflected in its pursuit of strategic partnerships with multiple countries, rather than aligning with any single power bloc. India's foreign policy prioritizes sovereignty, self-reliance, and strategic independence.
5. Global South Solidarity: India identifies with the aspirations and challenges of the Global South, seeking to address common issues such as poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. India advocates for South-South cooperation, economic empowerment, and representation of developing countries in global governance institutions. India's world view emphasizes the need for a more equitable and inclusive international order.
6. Economic Development: India's world view is also influenced by its aspirations for economic development, modernization, and global integration. India seeks to leverage its demographic dividend, technological prowess, and entrepreneurial spirit to become a major player in the global economy. India's engagement with regional and global economic forums reflects its commitment to economic diplomacy, trade liberalization, and investment promotion.

Overall, India's world view is characterized by a blend of historical legacy, pluralistic ethos, strategic autonomy, solidarity with the Global South, and aspirations for economic development. India's approach to international relations is guided by principles of non-alignment, multilateralism, and inclusive growth, as it seeks to navigate a complex and dynamic global landscape while advancing its national interests and contributing to global peace and prosperity.

 

2. Explain the Realist and Interdependence approaches to the study of India’s foreign policy.

The Realist and Interdependence approaches offer distinct perspectives on the study of India's foreign policy:

1. Realist Approach:
• Realism views the international system as inherently anarchic, where states prioritize their own security and survival above all else.
• In the context of India's foreign policy, Realism emphasizes national security, military strength, and power politics. It suggests that India's behavior in the international arena is driven primarily by the pursuit of power and strategic interests.
• Realists argue that India's foreign policy decisions are influenced by factors such as the balance of power in the region, threat perceptions from neighboring countries, and the desire to maximize its own security and influence.
• Realism highlights India's strategic competition with neighboring countries, such as Pakistan and China, and its efforts to maintain a balance of power in South Asia.
• Realists also emphasize India's nuclear deterrence policy, military modernization, and strategic partnerships with major powers like the United States as manifestations of its realpolitik approach to foreign affairs.
2. Interdependence Approach:
• The Interdependence approach views the international system as increasingly interconnected and interdependent, with states relying on each other for economic, political, and social cooperation.
• In the context of India's foreign policy, Interdependence emphasizes the importance of economic interdependence, regional cooperation, and global governance in shaping India's behavior.
• Interdependence theorists argue that India's foreign policy decisions are influenced by factors such as economic globalization, trade relations, investment flows, and multilateral diplomacy.
• Interdependence highlights India's participation in regional forums like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) as well as its engagement with international organizations such as the United Nations and WTO.
• Interdependence also underscores India's efforts to enhance connectivity, promote economic integration, and foster people-to-people ties with its neighbors and other countries in the global arena.
• Interdependence theorists argue that India's foreign policy is increasingly shaped by non-traditional security threats, such as climate change, pandemics, and cyber security, which require cooperative responses and collective action.

In summary, while the Realist approach focuses on power dynamics and security concerns in India's foreign policy, the Interdependence approach emphasizes economic interdependence, regional cooperation, and global governance as key drivers of India's behavior in the international arena.

3. Briefly explain the growing influence of the PMO in foreign policy-making.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has increasingly become a central actor in foreign policy-making in many countries, including India. This growing influence can be attributed to several factors:

1. Centralization of Power: In parliamentary systems like India, the Prime Minister holds considerable power and authority over government decisions, including foreign policy. The PMO serves as the nerve center of the government, coordinating and overseeing various ministries and departments involved in foreign affairs.
2. Personal Leadership: The personality, leadership style, and diplomatic vision of the Prime Minister significantly influence foreign policy decisions. Prime Ministers who take a keen interest in international affairs and have a strong grasp of diplomatic intricacies tend to play a more direct role in shaping foreign policy outcomes.
3. Crisis Management: In times of crises or emergencies, such as conflicts, natural disasters, or diplomatic standoffs, the PMO assumes a pivotal role in crisis management and decision-making. The Prime Minister and his advisors in the PMO often lead high-level discussions, negotiations, and strategic responses to address urgent foreign policy challenges.
4. Inter-Ministerial Coordination: The PMO acts as a coordinating body, facilitating communication and collaboration among different ministries and agencies involved in foreign policy formulation and implementation. By streamlining inter-ministerial coordination, the PMO ensures coherence, consistency, and alignment with the government's overall strategic objectives.
5. Strategic Vision and Priorities: Prime Ministers often articulate their strategic vision and foreign policy priorities, which provide guidance and direction to government agencies and diplomats. The PMO plays a crucial role in translating these overarching goals into actionable policies, initiatives, and diplomatic engagements.
6. Diplomatic Outreach: The PMO oversees diplomatic outreach efforts, including high-level visits, bilateral and multilateral summits, and participation in international forums. Prime Ministers often lead diplomatic delegations and engage directly with world leaders to advance national interests, build alliances, and promote India's image on the global stage.
7. Policy Innovation and Adaptation: The PMO fosters innovation and adaptation in foreign policy by encouraging fresh thinking, exploring new opportunities, and adapting to evolving geopolitical realities. Prime Ministers may initiate policy innovations or reforms to address emerging challenges and leverage emerging opportunities in the international arena.

Overall, the growing influence of the PMO in foreign policy-making reflects the centralization of power, personal leadership, crisis management, inter-ministerial coordination, strategic vision, diplomatic outreach, and policy innovation driven by the Prime Minister's office.

 

4. Discuss the role of political parties in the making of foreign policy.

Political parties play a significant role in the formulation and execution of foreign policy in democratic countries. Their influence on foreign policy varies depending on the political system, the distribution of power, and the specific circumstances of each country. Here are several ways in which political parties contribute to the making of foreign policy:

1. Election Manifestos and Policy Positions: Political parties often outline their foreign policy stances in their election manifestos or party platforms. These documents reflect the party's ideological orientation, priorities, and objectives in international relations. Voters can assess and compare the foreign policy positions of different parties when making electoral choices.
2. Government Formation and Leadership: In parliamentary systems, the party or coalition that wins the majority in elections forms the government and appoints key officials responsible for foreign affairs, such as the foreign minister and diplomats. The foreign policy agenda of the ruling party shapes the direction and priorities of the country's international engagements.
3. Legislative Oversight and Scrutiny: Political parties, especially those in the opposition, play a crucial role in scrutinizing and holding the government accountable for its foreign policy decisions. Opposition parties may raise questions, initiate debates, or propose alternative policies in parliamentary forums to ensure transparency and accountability in foreign affairs.
4. Policy Formulation and Advocacy: Political parties contribute to foreign policy formulation through their think tanks, policy research institutes, and expert panels. They develop and advocate for policy positions on specific issues such as trade agreements, security alliances, human rights, and environmental protection. Party leaders and legislators may participate in diplomatic negotiations, international conferences, and multilateral forums to represent their country's interests.
5. Public Diplomacy and Communication: Political parties engage in public diplomacy to shape public opinion and garner support for their foreign policy agenda. They use various communication channels, including media interviews, press releases, social media, and public speeches, to articulate their vision, explain policy decisions, and rally public support for diplomatic initiatives.
6. International Relations and Networking: Political parties often maintain ties with their counterparts in other countries through international party organizations and networks. These interactions facilitate exchanges of ideas, sharing of best practices, and building of diplomatic relationships beyond government channels. Party-to-party diplomacy can complement official diplomacy and contribute to cross-border cooperation and conflict resolution.

Overall, political parties serve as key actors in the making of foreign policy, influencing the direction, content, and implementation of a country's international engagements through their electoral mandates, governmental roles, legislative oversight, policy advocacy, public diplomacy efforts, and international networking.

 

5. Explain the changing dimension of US and European Union relations in the post-cold war era.

The post-Cold War era witnessed significant changes in the dimensions of relations between the United States (US) and the European Union (EU), reflecting evolving geopolitical dynamics, economic interdependence, and shifting global priorities. Some key changes include:

1. Strategic Realignment: With the end of the Cold War, the US and EU underwent a strategic realignment, focusing on promoting democracy, human rights, and market-based economies globally. Both entities collaborated on initiatives such as NATO enlargement, peacekeeping operations, and conflict resolution efforts.
2. Economic Integration: Economic ties between the US and EU deepened with the growth of globalization and trade liberalization. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations aimed to create the world's largest free trade area, reflecting efforts to enhance economic integration and regulatory cooperation.
3. Divergent Priorities: Despite economic interdependence, the US and EU diverged on certain policy issues, including climate change, the Iran nuclear deal, and the Iraq War. Differences in approaches to multilateralism, security strategies, and defense spending also strained relations at times.
4. Security Cooperation: The US and EU continued to collaborate on security challenges such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and non-proliferation efforts. However, differences over defense capabilities, burden-sharing within NATO, and military interventions highlighted divergent security priorities.
5. Shift in Leadership Dynamics: The post-Cold War era witnessed shifts in leadership dynamics within the transatlantic partnership. The EU's evolution as a political and economic actor led to calls for a more balanced partnership with the US, with the EU seeking greater autonomy in foreign policy and security matters.
6. Challenges to Multilateralism: Growing skepticism towards multilateral institutions and norms posed challenges to US-EU relations. The US pursued an "America First" approach under the Trump administration, challenging established norms and institutions, while the EU sought to defend and strengthen the rules-based international order.
7. Resilience of Partnership: Despite challenges, the US-EU partnership remained resilient, driven by shared values, common interests, and institutional ties. Both entities continued to cooperate on global challenges such as climate change, public health, and economic recovery, reaffirming the importance of transatlantic cooperation in addressing common threats and advancing shared objectives.

Overall, the changing dimension of US-EU relations in the post-Cold War era reflects a complex interplay of convergence and divergence, highlighting the need for continued dialogue, cooperation, and adaptation to address evolving global challenges.

 

6. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each :

(a) Emerging trends in India-China relations

(b) Indo-Russian relations since the mid 1990s

(a) Emerging Trends in India-China Relations: India-China relations have witnessed significant developments and complexities in recent years, reflecting the evolving dynamics between the two Asian giants. Some emerging trends include:

1. Economic Cooperation: Despite border tensions and geopolitical rivalry, economic cooperation between India and China has expanded. Both countries are major trading partners and members of forums like BRICS and SCO, promoting economic engagement and investment.
2. Strategic Competition: India and China continue to engage in strategic competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. China's growing presence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean and India's response through alliances and partnerships reflect the strategic rivalry between the two countries.
3. Border Disputes: Border tensions persist, with occasional standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Efforts to resolve the boundary issue have seen limited progress, leading to occasional military confrontations and diplomatic tensions.
4. Geopolitical Dynamics: India's growing strategic ties with the United States and other Quad members, as well as its "Act East" policy, are perceived by China as containment strategies. China's assertive actions in the South China Sea and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have raised concerns in India.
5. Diplomatic Engagement: Despite differences, both countries maintain diplomatic channels to address issues of mutual concern. High-level visits, dialogues, and mechanisms like the Strategic Dialogue and Border Personnel Meetings aim to manage bilateral relations and prevent escalation.

(b) Indo-Russian Relations since the Mid-1990s: Indo-Russian relations have evolved significantly since the mid-1990s, marked by historical ties, strategic partnership, and cooperation across various sectors. Some key developments include:

1. Strategic Partnership: India and Russia share a longstanding strategic partnership based on historical ties, mutual trust, and shared interests. Both countries cooperate closely in defense, energy, space, and nuclear sectors.
2. Defense Cooperation: Russia remains one of India's primary defense partners, supplying advanced military equipment, technology transfers, and joint production initiatives. Defense agreements like the S-400 missile system deal and joint military exercises enhance defense ties.
3. Energy Cooperation: India imports significant quantities of oil and gas from Russia, and both countries collaborate on energy projects such as nuclear power plants and hydrocarbon exploration.
4. Space Cooperation: India and Russia collaborate extensively in space exploration, satellite launches, and technology transfer. Joint initiatives like the Gaganyaan manned space mission and GLONASS navigation system demonstrate cooperation in space exploration.
5. Economic Challenges: Despite strong political ties, economic cooperation between India and Russia has faced challenges such as trade imbalance, bureaucratic hurdles, and diversification of trade beyond traditional sectors.

Overall, Indo-Russian relations continue to be characterized by strategic convergence, mutual respect, and cooperation across multiple domains, despite occasional challenges and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

7. Explain the India’s policies with other nations in South Asia.

India's policies towards other nations in South Asia are shaped by various geopolitical, economic, and security considerations. Here's an overview of India's policies towards its neighboring countries in South Asia:

1.     Neighborhood First Policy: India's "Neighborhood First" policy prioritizes strengthening ties with its South Asian neighbors. The policy aims to foster closer economic integration, enhance connectivity, and promote regional stability and cooperation. India seeks to build mutually beneficial partnerships based on shared historical, cultural, and civilizational ties.

2.     Bilateral Relations: India maintains bilateral relations with each South Asian country, focusing on areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. Bilateral dialogues and agreements cover a wide range of issues, including border disputes, water-sharing arrangements, and security cooperation.

3.     Development Assistance: India provides development assistance to its neighbors in South Asia through grants, lines of credit, and technical cooperation programs. Indian assistance focuses on infrastructure development, capacity building, healthcare, education, and other priority areas identified by partner countries.

4.     Regional Cooperation Initiatives: India participates in various regional cooperation initiatives in South Asia aimed at promoting economic integration, connectivity, and cooperation. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) serves as a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation, although progress has been hindered by bilateral disputes between member countries.

5.     Connectivity Projects: India has initiated several connectivity projects in South Asia to enhance physical and digital connectivity with its neighbors. Projects such as the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Initiative, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, and the India-Nepal Railway Connectivity Project aim to improve regional connectivity and facilitate trade and people-to-people exchanges.

6.     Security Cooperation: India cooperates with its South Asian neighbors on various security issues, including counter-terrorism, border security, and maritime security. Bilateral and multilateral mechanisms facilitate intelligence-sharing, joint exercises, and capacity-building initiatives to address common security challenges.

7.     Cultural Diplomacy: India promotes cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts as a means of fostering goodwill and understanding with its South Asian neighbors. Cultural events, academic exchanges, and tourism promotion initiatives contribute to strengthening cultural ties and enhancing mutual understanding between India and South Asian countries.

Overall, India's policies towards its neighbors in South Asia aim to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region while advancing India's strategic interests and enhancing its influence in the neighborhood. However, challenges such as historical animosities, territorial disputes, and geopolitical rivalries continue to shape India's relations with its South Asian neighbors.

 

8. Discuss the South-East Asia’s geopolitical connections with India.

The geopolitical connections between South-East Asia and India have deep historical roots and continue to evolve in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. Here are some key aspects of their geopolitical connections:

1. Historical and Cultural Ties: South-East Asia and India share ancient historical and cultural linkages dating back to the spread of Indian civilization through trade, migration, and cultural exchanges. The influence of Indian religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, left a lasting impact on the region's culture, architecture, and societal norms.
2. Maritime Connectivity: India's proximity to South-East Asia has historically facilitated maritime trade and cultural exchanges. The Indian Ocean serves as a vital maritime artery connecting South Asia with South-East Asia, making India a significant player in the maritime geopolitics of the region. India's "Act East" policy emphasizes enhancing connectivity, trade, and maritime cooperation with South-East Asian nations.
3. Strategic Partnerships: India has been actively engaging with South-East Asian countries through various strategic partnerships and multilateral forums. India is a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), and other regional platforms, providing opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration on security, economic, and geopolitical issues.
4. Economic Cooperation: South-East Asia is a key economic partner for India, with growing trade and investment ties. India's "Act East" policy aims to enhance economic engagement with South-East Asian nations through trade agreements, infrastructure development, and investment promotion initiatives. The India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are examples of regional economic integration efforts.
5. Strategic Concerns: The geopolitical connections between India and South-East Asia are influenced by shared strategic concerns, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. India's growing strategic engagement with South-East Asian nations is driven by mutual interests in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
6. Cultural Diplomacy: Cultural diplomacy plays a significant role in strengthening India's ties with South-East Asia. Cultural exchanges, educational programs, and people-to-people contacts contribute to fostering mutual understanding, goodwill, and cooperation between India and South-East Asian countries.

Overall, the geopolitical connections between South-East Asia and India are multifaceted, encompassing historical, cultural, economic, and strategic dimensions. As both regions continue to grow and evolve, their cooperation and collaboration are likely to deepen, contributing to regional peace, prosperity, and stability.

 

9. Discuss the emerging economic cooperation between India and Central Asia.

The economic cooperation between India and Central Asia has been gaining momentum in recent years, driven by mutual interests in trade, investment, energy, and connectivity. Here are some key aspects of the emerging economic cooperation between India and Central Asia:

1. Trade and Investment: India and Central Asian countries have been working to enhance bilateral trade and investment ties. India has identified Central Asia as a priority region under its "Connect Central Asia" policy. Efforts are being made to diversify trade beyond traditional sectors like energy and minerals to include agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and information technology.
2. Energy Cooperation: Central Asia is rich in energy resources, particularly oil and natural gas. India is interested in accessing these energy resources to meet its growing energy demands. Several agreements have been signed for energy cooperation, including exploration, production, and transportation of oil and gas. The proposed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline is a significant project aimed at transporting natural gas from Turkmenistan to South Asia via Afghanistan and Pakistan.
3. Connectivity and Infrastructure Development: Enhancing connectivity is a key priority for India-Central Asia cooperation. Initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aim to facilitate trade and transit between India, Central Asia, and Europe through a network of sea, rail, and road routes. India has also expressed interest in participating in infrastructure projects in Central Asia, including road and rail networks, ports, and logistics hubs.
4. Regional Cooperation Frameworks: India participates in various regional cooperation frameworks involving Central Asian countries, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). These platforms provide opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration on regional security, economic development, and connectivity initiatives.
5. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges play an essential role in enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral relations between India and Central Asia. Educational exchanges, cultural festivals, and tourism promotion initiatives contribute to fostering closer ties and promoting cultural diplomacy between the two regions.

Overall, the emerging economic cooperation between India and Central Asia holds significant potential for mutual benefit, contributing to economic growth, regional integration, and stability in both regions. However, challenges such as geographical distance, logistical constraints, and geopolitical complexities need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of this cooperation.

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10. Write short notes on the following :

(a) India’s Disarmament policy

(b) Regional cooperation in contemporary international relations

(a) India’s Disarmament Policy: India's disarmament policy is characterized by its commitment to global nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control efforts while maintaining a credible minimum deterrent. Key features of India's disarmament policy include:

• No First Use (NFU) Doctrine: India has declared a policy of No First Use of nuclear weapons, stating that it will only use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack against it or its allies.
• Global Nuclear Disarmament: India advocates for global nuclear disarmament and has consistently called for the elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide. It supports initiatives such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).
• Non-Proliferation Commitments: India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but adheres to its non-proliferation commitments, including export controls and safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Strategic Restraint: India maintains strategic restraint in its defense posture, emphasizing defensive capabilities and avoiding arms races. It advocates for confidence-building measures and dialogue to reduce tensions and promote stability in South Asia.

(b) Regional Cooperation in Contemporary International Relations: Regional cooperation plays a significant role in contemporary international relations, fostering peace, stability, and development. Key aspects of regional cooperation include:

• Economic Integration: Regional organizations such as the European Union (EU), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) promote economic integration through trade liberalization, investment, and infrastructure development.
• Security Cooperation: Regional security arrangements enhance confidence-building measures, conflict prevention, and crisis management. Examples include NATO in Europe, the African Union (AU) in Africa, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Asia.
• Political Dialogue: Regional forums provide platforms for political dialogue, diplomacy, and conflict resolution among neighboring states. They facilitate peaceful negotiations, mediation, and peacebuilding efforts to address regional disputes and conflicts.
• Functional Cooperation: Regional cooperation extends to functional areas such as environmental protection, disaster management, health, and education. Collaborative initiatives address common challenges and promote sustainable development in the region.
• Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Regional cooperation fosters cultural exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people contacts, promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and cultural diversity.

Overall, regional cooperation in contemporary international relations reflects a growing recognition of the interdependence and interconnectedness of states within a geographical region. It complements global governance efforts and contributes to a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful world order.