21 October 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. India’s choices in a world becoming bipolar again
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
| Context |
|
China Vs US: Two Nations at Odds But Interdependent
- While the U.S. and China are fighting for global dominance, their relationship is not like the Cold War bipolarity between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
- The U.S. is a major investor in China, and both countries are economically interdependent, with strong trade, educational, and tourism links.
- Unlike the Cold War, this new rivalry is marked by “competitive coexistence” rather than complete separation or proxy wars.
Evolution of Global Power and China’s Rise
- The Cold War ended with U.S. dominance, but the global financial crisis of 2008-09 marked the beginning of China’s rise as a major global power.
- China has surpassed the U.S. in manufacturing and industrial capacity and is a major player in emerging technologies like 5G.
- China’s rise is fueled by global investment, particularly from the U.S., positioning it as a rival to American global hegemony.
Differences Between Cold War Bipolarity and Current Rivalry
- Unlike the ideological battle between capitalism and communism during the Cold War, the U.S.-China rivalry is not ideological.
- China seeks global dominance rather than ideological conversion, focusing on economic and military power.
- The U.S. strategy has shifted from “decoupling” to “de-risking” its relationship with China, aiming to minimise risks without complete severance.
China’s Military Growth and U.S. Response
- China’s military has rapidly grown, particularly its navy and air force, although experts believe it will take years to match U.S. military capabilities fully.
- Despite China’s rising power, the Cold War-level bipolarity is overstated, as there is no widespread appetite for military conflict between the two powers.
Russia’s Role in the Rivalry
- Russia, although economically weaker than China and the U.S., plays a significant role as China’s junior partner in the global geopolitical landscape.
- Russia’s alignment with China, as seen in the Ukraine conflict, signals a potential “Two-and-a-Half Power World” involving the U.S., China, and Russia.
The New Indo-Pacific Arena
- The Indo-Pacific region has become the main stage for U.S.-China competition, driven by China’s ambitions of naval power and economic dominance.
- India has emerged as a key player in this region, especially through its participation in the Quad, an alliance with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
- AUKUS, a security partnership between Australia, the U.S., and the U.K., also focuses on countering Chinese influence in the region.
India’s Role in the U.S.-China Rivalry
- India’s deepening relationship with the U.S. and its role in the Indo-Pacific presents both opportunities and challenges.
- India, unlike other Quad members, faces a direct land threat from China and must balance economic engagement with China and military preparedness.
- India must safeguard its sovereignty and avoid becoming a pawn in the U.S.-China rivalry, seeking to maintain its strategic autonomy in the shifting global order.
| PYQ: “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2019) |
| Practice Question: Examine India’s strategic approach in balancing its growing partnership with the U.S. and its complicated relationship with China, especially in the context of evolving geopolitical tensions. (150 Words /10 marks) |
