04-July-2025 Daily Answer Writing
Q1) Is U.S. unilateralism a threat to global stability? Discuss with reference to India’s strategic autonomy and the emerging role of the Global South.
(GS Paper 2 – International Relations, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
Answer:
U.S. unilateralism, marked by assertive military interventions and withdrawal from multilateral commitments, poses significant challenges to the rules-based international order. This approach has triggered global instability and tested the strategic independence of nations like India.
U.S. Unilateralism and Global Order
- U.S. actions—such as strikes in Iran and occupation of Iraq—have eroded the credibility of international law.
- Its America First policy under Donald Trump deepened distrust among allies and weakened multilateral diplomacy.
- Declining U.S. hegemony is being replaced by multipolar assertions, with China and Russia capitalizing on power vacuums.
Implications for India
- India has maintained a cautious distance from blocs that compromise its strategic autonomy, such as refusing to endorse SCO’s Iran stance.
- India emphasizes a multipolar world order—diversifying its ties through groupings like BRICS, SCO, and IPEF.
- India faces the challenge of balancing relations with the U.S. while pursuing independent foreign policy goals, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
The Role of the Global South
- The Global South, including India, is asserting itself diplomatically against the backdrop of hegemonic power shifts.
- India’s leadership in G20 and voice in multilateral reforms reflects a shift from passive alignment to active agenda-setting.
Conclusion
U.S. unilateralism has widened fault lines in the global system. For India, maintaining strategic autonomy while advocating for a multipolar, inclusive world order, alongside the Global South is essential for long-term stability and influence.
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