UPSC Mains 2025 GS2 Q10 — Globalization and Nationalism
"With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Elucidate
- Scope keywords
- waning of globalizationpost-Cold War worldsite of sovereign nationalism
- Implicit sub-parts
- Evidence of the retreat of globalization (trade protectionism, supply chain reshoring).
- Factors driving the resurgence of 'sovereign nationalism' (identity politics, security concerns).
- The tension between global multilateralism and national interest in the current geopolitical era.
- A brief counter-perspective or nuanced view on whether globalization is actually ending or just changing shape.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on the benefits and harms of globalization instead of focusing on its 'waning' phase.
- Ignoring the 'post-Cold War' temporal context, which requires contrasting the 1990s-2000s era with the current decade.
- Failing to mention specific geopolitical examples like Brexit, 'America First', or the rise of 'Atmanirbhar' concepts.
- Confusing nationalism with patriotism without linking it to 'sovereignty' and the rejection of international institutional oversight.
- Dimensions required
- Economic (Protectionism vs. Free Trade)Geopolitical (Strategic Autonomy)Technological (Data Sovereignty)Social (Identity and Anti-migration trends)
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 30 words defining the shift from the unipolar/globalized era to the current state. Use 50 words to explain why globalization is receding (economic friction/security). Devote 50 words to demonstrating how sovereign nationalism manifests in modern policy, and use the final 20 words to conclude on the emerging 'new world order'.
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