Abyss Stares Back

(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 18 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 18 June 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations; GS Paper 3 – Internal Security & Global Conflict

Context

The editorial explores Israel’s open military strike on Iran and what it signals for the weakening of international deterrence. For the first time, Israel has claimed direct responsibility for such an attack, highlighting a dangerous shift in global norms of accountability, diplomacy, and war.

Israel’s Direct Provocation

• Israel’s bold military engagement, once denied or downplayed, has now become open and unapologetic.
• The open acknowledgment represents a strategic recalibration and signals that Israel is no longer interested in hiding its forceful diplomacy.

US Inaction and Waning Influence

• While historically the US acted as a restraining power, under the current administration, it remains quiet.
• The Biden administration supports Israel but avoids pushing back on reckless actions.
• This has allowed smaller powers to act with impunity, undermining global balance.

Multiplying Global Flashpoints

• The editorial situates Israel’s actions in a wider trend where nation-states are ignoring international law.
• Examples like Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, China’s maneuvers in Taiwan, and Iran’s own provocations reinforce a pattern of normalized transgression.

Legal Norms Under Threat

• The erosion of UN-backed norms like sovereignty, non-aggression, and proportionality is accelerating.
• The deterrent power of international law has diminished, encouraging tit-for-tat policies and escalation.

Pre-WWI Historical Parallel

• The author draws parallels with the geopolitical structure of 1914: a highly armed, unstable global system with fraying alliances and uncertain leadership.
• The world is drifting toward a tipping point where war is seen not as a last resort, but a valid diplomatic tool.

Legal Norms vs Recent Violations

Country/Region	Action	Violated Norm	Global Response
Israel–Iran	Direct airstrikes	Sovereignty, UN Charter	Muted, no sanctions
Russia–Ukraine	Full invasion	Territorial integrity	Sanctions, but no cessation
China–Taiwan	Military intimidation	Freedom of navigation	Verbal warnings

 

Conclusion/Way Forward:

• The editorial warns that without collective accountability and stronger diplomatic frameworks, the world risks a descent into chaos reminiscent of 20th-century great wars.
• India must continue to advocate for rules-based global order and serve as a mediator in volatile regions.
• Its commitment to sovereignty, non-alignment, and regional peace gives it a platform to lead by example.

Practice Question: (GS-3 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) Analyze the implications of Israel’s strike on Iran for regional and global security architecture. How does it reflect changing norms of international behavior?