08-July-2025 Daily Answer Writing
Q1) Examine the evolving nuclear strategy in West Asia and its implications on global and regional security.
(GS Paper 2, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
Answer:
Introduction:
West Asia’s nuclear landscape is witnessing a strategic churn, with Iran’s pursuit of nuclear deterrence and Israel’s determination to prevent it, further complicated by changing U.S. foreign policy stances. These developments have deepened geopolitical fault lines in the region.
Israel’s Strategic Position:
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Israel sees Iran’s nuclear ambition as an existential threat and aims to permanently deny it nuclear capability.
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The Netanyahu administration prefers proactive preemption, supported by the U.S., and views JCPOA (2015) as inadequate.
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Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian interests and advocacy for regional coalitions aim to reinforce strategic deterrence.
Iran’s Nuclear Calculus:
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Iran sees nuclear deterrence as essential amid regime threats, economic sanctions, and past betrayals like the U.S. withdrawal from JCPOA.
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It pursues latent nuclear capability as a strategic hedge without overt weaponisation.
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Iranian doctrine leverages both kinetic and non-kinetic means (e.g., diplomacy, militias) to enhance regional influence.
U.S. Dilemma and Global Impact:
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The U.S. is torn between military coercion and diplomatic restoration of nuclear restraint.
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Trump-era policies intensified tensions, while Biden’s efforts at engagement have yielded limited success.
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Nuclear instability in West Asia weakens global non-proliferation norms and may spur regional arms races.
Conclusion:
The remaking of the nuclear order in West Asia underscores the fragility of deterrence and diplomacy in a volatile region. For India, maintaining balanced ties and advocating global non-proliferation while securing energy and diaspora interests is imperative.
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