10 March 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Evaluate the impact of the deepening political divisions with the major Western States on global governance and international cooperation. How should India navigate these divisions to advance its national interests on the global stage? (10 marks, 150 words)
Answer

Political divisions within major Western states have reached unprecedented levels in recent years, profoundly shaping societal dynamics, governance, and international relations. This phenomenon is particularly evident in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and several European nations, where deep-seated disagreements over key issues have fragmented political landscapes and challenged traditional modes of governance.

CAUSES OF POLITICAL DIVISIONS

1. Several factors contribute to these divisions. Economic disparities play a significant role, with globalization and technological advancements disproportionately benefiting certain segments of society while leaving others economically marginalized. For instance, income inequality in the United States has risen steadily over the past few decades, contributing to a sense of disenfranchisement among lower-income groups.
2. Cultural and social issues also fuel political polarization. Debates over immigration, multiculturalism, and national identity have sharply divided public opinion. In Europe, for example, the influx of refugees and immigrants has triggered debates over border control and cultural integration, leading to the rise of nationalist sentiments in some quarters.
3. Moreover, ideological polarization has intensified within political parties themselves, leading to gridlock and legislative dysfunction. This is evident in the U.S. Congress, where partisan bickering often stalls efforts to address pressing issues like health care reform and climate change.

EXAMPLES:

1. The United States provides a poignant example of deepening political divisions.

According to Pew Research Center, the ideological gap between Democrats and Republicans has widened significantly over the past two decades, with fewer shared policy preferences and increasing animosity between partisan groups. This polarization has been exacerbated by social media algorithms that prioritize content based on user preferences, further isolating individuals within their ideological bubbles.

2. In Europe, the rise of populist movements and Euroscepticism reflects broader

discontent with established political institutions and policies. Parties like Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Italy’s Five Star Movement have capitalized on public dissatisfaction with immigration, economic austerity measures, and perceived threats to national sovereignty from the European Union.

DEEPENING POLITICAL DIVISIONS AND THEIR IMPACT 

1. Erosion of Multilateral Institutions: Deepening political divisions often lead to a weakened commitment to multilateral institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and NATO. This results in reduced effectiveness and credibility of these institutions in addressing global issues such as climate change, trade disputes, and international security.

(a) Instances of unilateralism and withdrawal from international agreements by Western countries (e.g., the Paris Agreement) undermine efforts for collective global solutions. It weakens multilateral frameworks like the United Nations, complicates global efforts on issues like disarmament and peacekeeping, and increases global instability.

2. Rise of Protectionism and Unilateralism: For instance, the US-China trade war and Brexit are examples where political divisions have led to significant shifts in trade policies and international relations. This undermines global trade norms and creates an environment of uncertainty and instability in international markets.
3. Challenges in Addressing Global Crises: Effective responses to global crises like pandemics, terrorism, and climate change require coordinated international efforts. Political divisions can hinder such cooperation, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic where fragmented responses and lack of global leadership exacerbated the crisis. Rising political divisions within the western democratic states made their executives to prioritize their countries in times of crisis, reducing the humanitarian stronghold of the global north.
4. Impact on Global Security Alliances: For instance, divergent views within NATO members on defense spending and strategic priorities can impair collective security efforts. This can embolden adversarial states and non-state actors, potentially leading to increased geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
5. Reduced Influence of Western Values: Political fragmentation weakens the ability of Western states to collectively promote values such as democracy, human rights, and rule of law on the global stage. This creates a vacuum that can be filled by authoritarian regimes, leading to a shift in the global order of power and the norms governing international relations.
6. Economic Instability: Trade wars and sanctions imposed by politically divided Western states (e.g., US-China trade tensions) disrupt global supply chains and economic cooperation. Global economic uncertainty increases, impacting developing countries’ growth and stability, and fostering protectionist policies that hinder international trade.
7. The impact of these divisions extends beyond political discourse to affect global governance. Governments struggle to formulate cohesive policies that address the needs of diverse constituencies, leading to policy paralysis and a loss of public trust in democratic institutions. In the UK, for instance, the protracted Brexit negotiations exposed deep divisions within society, culminating in a divisive referendum and subsequent political turmoil.
8. Social cohesion is also at risk as communities become increasingly polarized along political lines. Studies have shown that social networks and media echo chambers amplify ideological viewpoints, reinforcing existing divisions rather than fostering constructive dialogue. This phenomenon, often referred to as “filter bubbles,” contributes to the entrenchment of partisan beliefs and a breakdown in interpersonal communication across ideological divides.

NAVIGATING THESE DIVISIONS: STRATEGIES FOR INDIA

1. Strengthening Bilateral Ties: India should focus on strengthening bilateral relationships with key Western states to ensure continued cooperation on critical issues. Engaging in strategic partnerships, like the India-US, India- France, and India-UK relationships, can help navigate through the broader geopolitical complexities.
2. Leveraging Multilateral Platforms: India should actively participate and take leadership roles in multilateral forums such as G20, BRICS, and the SCO to promote its interests and foster international cooperation. Advocating for reforms in global governance institutions to make them more representative and effective can also be a strategic priority.
3. Promoting a Rules-Based International Order: India should champion a rules-based international order that emphasizes respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes. This approach aligns with India’s historical stance on non-alignment and strategic autonomy, allowing it to navigate the complexities of a divided international landscape.
4. Enhancing Domestic Resilience: Strengthening domestic economic, technological, and military capabilities can provide India with greater leverage in international negotiations and reduce vulnerability to external shocks. Investing in innovation, infrastructure, and human capital development will enhance India’s strategic autonomy and global influence.
5. Engaging in Public Diplomacy: India should enhance its public diplomacy efforts to build a positive image globally, emphasizing its democratic values, cultural diversity, and contributions to global peace and development. This can help garner international support and build coalitions on key global issues.
6. Diversification of Partnerships: India’s “Act East” policy strengthens ties with Southeast Asian nations and the Indo-Pacific region amid Western uncertainties. Diversification reduces dependence on Western markets and aligns India with dynamic economies, enhancing global influence and economic resilience.
7. Support for Multilateralism: India’s active role in BRICS, G20, and climate initiatives like the International Solar Alliance showcases commitment to multilateralism despite Western divisions. It bolsters India’s image as a responsible global actor and promotes collective solutions to global challenges like climate change and pandemics.
8. Balanced Diplomacy: India’s approach to engage with both Western powers and rising economies like China and Russia maintains strategic autonomy and avoids entanglement in Western political disputes. It enables India to pursue independent foreign policies that safeguard national interests while contributing positively to global stability and cooperation.
9. Economic Resilience: Economic reforms to attract foreign investments diversify trade partnerships beyond Western economies, such as strengthening ties with Middle Eastern and African nations. It builds economic resilience against Western economic uncertainties and enhances India’s role as a pivotal player in global economic growth and stability.
10. Strategic Autonomy: India’s defense cooperation with Russia and energy partnerships with Iran demonstrate strategic autonomy in foreign policy decisions despite Western sanctions. It upholds India’s sovereignty and flexibility in navigating global geopolitical dynamics, ensuring national security and stability.
11. Solidarity with the Global South: India’s leadership in forums like the Non-Aligned Movement and its developmental assistance to African countries strengthen ties with the Global South. It enhances India’s influence in shaping global agendas that prioritize equitable development and solidarity among developing nations, countering Western-centric approaches.

By adopting these strategies, India can effectively navigate the complexities of deepening political divisions and turmoils. These strategies not only safeguard India’s national interests but also contribute to global stability and prosperity by promoting cooperation, advocating for a rules-based international order, and diversifying diplomatic and economic engagements. In doing so, India plays a constructive role in shaping a more inclusive and resilient global governance framework amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

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