The Bog of War
(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)
Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 23 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 23 June 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations, GS Paper 3 – Security |
| Context |
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The editorial addresses the growing global anxieties around Israel’s open military actions against Iran, which includes covert and overt strikes. The piece warns of a dangerous escalation due to blurring lines between conventional deterrence and political signaling. |
Erosion of Deterrence Norms
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Israel has abandoned its historic policy of ambiguity regarding strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
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This open military posture is intended to signal dominance but may trigger unpredictable retaliatory responses.
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The shift reflects frustration with international inaction and growing strategic autonomy, but erodes norms of sovereign respect.
Global Complicity and U.S. Inertia
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The U.S., under Biden, has been largely silent on Israeli offensives, deviating from past restraint-based diplomacy.
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The West’s inconsistent stance on violations of international law—criticizing some (e.g., Russia) while ignoring others (e.g., Israel)—is fueling a credibility crisis.
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This selectivity undermines the legitimacy of global governance frameworks like the UN and weakens collective security architecture.
Geopolitical Repercussions
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Iran may intensify asymmetric responses, especially through proxies like Hezbollah or Houthi rebels.
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Regional allies of Israel, such as the UAE or Saudi Arabia, may be drawn into the conflict unintentionally.
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It sets a precedent for preemptive strikes globally, where countries bypass dialogue in favor of militaristic assertion.
Lessons for India
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India must maintain consistency in upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity across all conflicts.
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Strategic silence in one arena may be interpreted as double standards in another (e.g., Kashmir, LAC).
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Balancing relations with both Israel and Iran becomes crucial for energy, security, and diplomatic credibility.
Conclusion and Way Forward:
- The editorial acts as a cautionary reflection on how unchecked military assertion destabilizes global peace efforts.
- For India, the message is clear: assertive diplomacy must be grounded in principle and restraint.
- International rules must be defended not selectively but universally.
- India should support multilateral peace frameworks while preparing for the ripple effects such regional tensions could cause in West Asia and beyond.
Regional Consequences of Israel and Iran Escalation:
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Security | Increased risk of missile and proxy attacks in the Middle East |
| Global Diplomacy | Weakening of UN’s conflict-resolution credibility |
| Economic | Potential rise in oil prices and disruption of maritime trade routes |
| India’s Stakes | Energy security, diaspora safety, and strategic balancing at risk |
| Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) “Selective application of international law weakens the global security order.” In light of recent West Asian tensions, critically analyze this statement. |
