UPSC Mains 2021 GS2 Q20 — Indo-Pacific Geopolitics
The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- tri-nation partnership AUKUScountering China's ambitionsIndo-Pacific regionsupersede the existing partnershipsstrength and impact
- Implicit sub-parts
- Strategic drivers behind AUKUS and how it moves beyond 'soft' diplomacy to 'hard' military-tech cooperation.
- A comparative analysis of AUKUS vs QUAD vs ASEAN Centrality vs Five Eyes to address the 'supersede' question.
- The specific 'strength' factor of nuclear-powered submarine technology transfer and interoperability.
- Potential negative impacts including regional arms race and diplomatic friction with France/ASEAN.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on the history of Australia-UK relations rather than the future impact on China.
- Failing to differentiate between 'complementarity' and 'supersession' regarding the QUAD.
- Ignoring the 'UK' factor and why its inclusion matters for a Global Britain strategy.
- Omitting the concerns of ASEAN nations regarding regional stability and the 'Centrality' principle.
- Dimensions required
- GeopoliticalDefense and TechnologyDiplomaticStrategic AutonomySecurity Architecture
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 50 words to the rationale of AUKUS in countering China. Dedicate 100 words to the critical 'supersede' debate, arguing for complementarity rather than replacement of QUAD/ASEAN. Use the final 100 words to evaluate the specific technical strengths (submarines/AI) and the resulting geopolitical impacts on regional balance.
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