ConvertIAS PSIR

https://www.e-ir.info/2024/08/01/u-s-china-dynamics-competition-conflict-or-cooperation/ Must read article!

https://thediplomat.com/2024/07/the-indian-navys-humanitarian-role-strategic-soft-power-in-action/

"The Indian Navy's Humanitarian Role: Strategic Soft Power in Action"

Indian Navy's Soft Power through HADR
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations
Enhances India's strategic and diplomatic ties
Showcases commitment to global solidarity
Aligns with "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" philosophy

2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: Turning Point
Massive HADR effort by Indian Navy
Assisted India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia
40 ships, 42 helicopters, 35 aircraft deployed
Enhanced India's image as responsible regional power
SAGAR Vision and HADR Operations
Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)

Key operations:
Cyclone Nargis (Myanmar, 2008)
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 search (2014)
Maldives water crisis (Operation Neer, 2014)

Extended HADR Missions
Operation Sukoon (Lebanon, 2006)
Operation Blossom (Libya, 2011)
Assistance to Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Bangladesh, Myanmar
Cyclone Idai response (Mozambique, 2019)

COVID-19 Response
Operation Samudra Setu I and II
Repatriation of Indian citizens
Medical supplies to partner countries

Recent Operations
Protection of shipping lanes in western Indian Ocean
Firefighting efforts on oil tanker Marlin Luanda

Enhancing Capabilities
Expanding relief material capacity
Upgrading medical services and hospital ships
Improving water production and supply
Establishing rapid joint communication systems
Designing indigenous HADR ships

Strategic Implications
Enhances India's soft power and global image
Fosters trust and cooperation in the region
Strengthens bilateral ties
Supports India's leadership role in international forums
Demonstrates commitment to "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"

Example of Quasi-negotiation?

https://www.reuters.com/world/fishing-treaty-fails-wto-prompting-us-chinese-concern-2024-07-23/?utm_source=dailybrief&utm_content=20240724&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DailyBrief2024Jul24&utm_term=DailyNewsBrief

https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/imf-reform-reality-us-veto-power-china-cooperation-liquidity-macroeconomics-central-banks-development-11721585556955.html

https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/neoliberal-economic-trade-rules-tying-developing-countries-hands-by-laura-carvalho-1-2024-07

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/south-asia/end-south-asia

The Importance of Both Quad and BRICS
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/91884/OPS/GPLD2IDTT.1+G4QD3AR1V.1.html
Current Global Context
UNSC paralysis and lack of reform
Violations of international law
Emerging axis of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran
Growing Chinese influence

Quad's Significance
U.S. seeking credible partners in security architecture
India's enthusiastic embrace of Quad
Broader vision beyond China-centric security

India's Role in Quad
Vision beyond narrow geopolitical security
Focus on development with security perspective
Enhanced bilateral relations with Quad partners

Challenges and Differences
AUKUS formation and military focus
India's independent policy on Russia and Ukraine
Differing compulsions among Quad members

India's Engagement with BRICS
Founding member with initial enthusiasm
Fluctuating participation
Wariness of China's influence in BRICS

BRICS Expansion and India's Position
Initial reluctance to expand
Acceptance of expansion to maintain influence
Need for more active engagement

Balancing Quad and BRICS
India as the only common member
Importance of active participation in both groups
Necessity to balance interests in both forums

https://www.orfonline.org/research/Non-Alignment-in-the-Era-of-the-Global-South

## Non-Alignment in the Era of the Global South: Key Takeaways

Origin and Evolution:

* Founded during the Cold War as a "third way" for nations to remain neutral between the US and USSR.
* Officially established at the Bandung Conference in 1955.
* Expanded its scope beyond anti-colonialism to include economic issues and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
* Faced challenges after the Soviet collapse, but survived due to the need for a collective voice in a unipolar world.

Non-Alignment in a Multi-Polar World:

* The concept of non-alignment has evolved, with developing countries opting for issue-based alignments.
* This involves strategic partnerships with various powers for specific benefits, while avoiding close alliances.
* True non-alignment implies no meaningful security cooperation with any single power.

Evolution of Non-Alignment in Africa:

* The Bandung Conference boosted independence movements in Africa, leading to the adoption of non-alignment as a foreign policy strategy.
* The OAU Charter enshrined non-alignment as a core principle.
* Despite the principle, African countries have often engaged in flexible partnerships with external powers for economic and security reasons.

Relevance of NAM for Africa:

* Africa is undergoing a transition towards greater self-reliance and regional integration.
* The continent seeks to find a strategic sweet spot by maintaining strategic autonomy while engaging in multi-alignment partnerships.
* The refusal of many African countries to support the West's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine demonstrates the continued relevance of non-alignment.

Reforming NAM:

* Structure:
* NAM lacks a permanent secretariat, constitution, and executive body.
* It should consider establishing a permanent secretariat to enhance its role in global governance.
* Scope:
* NAM should focus on achieving self-sufficiency and developing strategies to control natural resources.
* It should address new and emerging threats like climate change, terrorism, and emerging technologies through South-South cooperation.
* Non-Alignment:
* Redefine non-alignment as a tenet of NAM, rather than its primary goal.
* Maintain independence from any power bloc.
* Consider a new name for the movement to reflect its evolving role.

Conclusion:

* NAM is at a crossroads, facing an existential crisis due to the changing global landscape.
* The movement needs to adapt its structure and scope to remain relevant in a multi-polar world.
* By embracing a new form of non-alignment that combines strategic autonomy with multi-alignment partnerships, NAM can continue to serve the interests of the Global South, particularly Africa.


#p2s2
#p2s1

ICJ
P2S1

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjerjzxlpvdo

1. ICJ Ruling:
- The UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal under international law.
- The court called for Israel to end its occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip as soon as possible.

2. Key Points:
- Israeli settlements in occupied territories deemed illegal
- Israel's presence in Gaza still considered occupation due to effective control
- Court called for evacuation of settlers and payment of reparations to Palestinians
- Israeli policies described as "systemic discrimination" and de facto annexation
- ICJ advised other states to avoid actions that maintain the current situation

3. Implications:
- Advisory opinion, not legally binding, but carries significant political weight
- First time ICJ has ruled on the legality of the 57-year occupation
- May influence future UN resolutions and international negotiations

4. Reactions:
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the ruling, calling it "a decision of lies"
- Palestinian leadership welcomed the decision as a "historic victory"

5. Context:
- Separate from ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza
- Occupation began after 1967 Middle East war
- Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers in West Bank and East Jerusalem

Indian battery maker, Amara Raja Energy and Mobility, has signed a licensing agreement with a unit of China-based Gotion High Tech Co to produce lithium-ion batteries in India.

https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/china-debates-cooperation-with-india-on-lithium-ion-batteries

#China #IR

https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jul/15/the-history-of-ideas-equality-justice-revolution-by-david-runciman-review-big-thinkers-with-visions-of-a-better-world?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Relate this with theories of democracy!

https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/trump-supporters-want-direct-democracy-strongman-by-ian-buruma-2024-07

1. Direct vs. Representative Democracy
2. Populism vs. Liberal Democracy
3. Majoritarianism vs. Pluralism
4. Authoritarianism in Democratic Guise
5. Institutional Integrity
6. Democratic Backsliding
7. Perception vs. Reality in Democracy
8. Elite Theory vs. Participatory Democracy
9. Procedural vs. Substantive Democracy
10. Social Contract Theory
11. Tyranny of the Majority
12. Civic Engagement and Political Participation
13. Separation of Powers
14. Rule of Law vs. Rule by Law
15. Consent of the Governed

https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/india-uzbekistan-trade-poised-for-continued-growth

#Centralasia

Gender in international politics

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/world/global-assault-women-politics-linda-robinson

1. Declining women's representation:
- Women occupy only 27% of world's legislative seats
- Number of women leading countries has sharply declined in the past year
- Rate of increase in women legislators has stalled globally

2. Violence and threats against women politicians:
- Almost half of women legislators have received violent threats
- Physical violence against women in politics is rising globally
- Notable cases: attacks on Nancy Pelosi's husband, attempted kidnapping of Gretchen Whitmer

3. Online abuse and harassment:
- Women politicians face disproportionate online attacks compared to men
- AI and deepfakes are exacerbating the problem
- Examples: Jacinda Ardern faced 50-90 times more online abuse than other politicians

4. Rise of far-right and populist movements:
- Often target women's rights and gender equality
- Examples: Viktor Orban in Hungary, Javier Milei in Argentina
- Promote "traditional family values" and anti-feminist rhetoric

5. Mainstreaming of extremist ideologies:
- Misogynistic views embraced by populist leaders like Trump, Orban, Bolsonaro
- "Great Replacement" theory has misogynistic elements
- Normalization of sexist and violent rhetoric in politics

6. Persistent gender bias:
- World Values Survey shows half believe men make better leaders
- Younger men increasingly view gender equality as discriminatory against them
- Structural barriers for women in politics remain

7. Successful women leaders countering stereotypes:
- Examples: Tsai Ing-wen (Taiwan), Kaja Kallas (Estonia), leaders in Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova
- Demonstrating effective leadership in crises and defending democracies

8. Need for action:
- Pass laws requiring tech companies to combat online hate
- Debunk myths about women's leadership abilities
- Recommit to political and civil rights for all

https://www.orfonline.org/research/india-s-grand-strategy-a-framework-for-the-future-that-builds-on-bharat-s-ancient-statecraft-of-peace-prosperity-and-planet

#P2S2

Key points on India's foreign policy after Modi's third-term election: By Sumit Ganguly

Election results:
Modi and BJP returned for third term
Coalition government formed with regional parties


Foreign policy implications:
Minimal changes expected
Coalition partners have little interest in foreign policy


India-US relations:
Likely to remain stable
Defense ties to deepen
Potential differences in US approach (Biden vs Trump)


Key foreign policy priorities:
Monitoring China
Reassessing relationship with Russia
Pursuing interests in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia
Continuing partnerships with Western countries


Foreign policy team:
Continuity in key positions (Shah, Jaishankar, Singh, Doval)


Domestic issues affecting foreign policy:
Labor law reform postponed
Nuclear liability law unlikely to change


International perception:
Concerns about democratic decline partially assuaged
Human rights issues may persist


India's stance:
Assertive rhetoric towards Western criticism
Showcasing global prominence (e.g., G-20 presidency)


Economic factors:
Growing economy and diaspora
Strategic importance in global supply chains


Overall outlook:
Steady course in international relations
Continued importance as a strategic partner for Western powers

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/01/india-modi-diplomacy-west-us-biden-trump/ Continuity in India's foreign policy. Easy to quote.

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/donald-trump-realist-former-president-american-power-byers-schweller

Clash of civilisation

And when Putin rails against the West, he often highlights its “decadence.” Russia – a “distinct civilization” with historical linkages to the Byzantine Empire – must lead the way in defending “traditional values” such as heterosexuality and the nuclear family.