UPSC Mains 2016 GS1 Q16 — Geopolitics
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Comment
- Scope keywords
- South China Seagreat geopolitical significancepresent context
- Implicit sub-parts
- Geostrategic importance of the SCS location for global maritime trade and choke points.
- Economic significance regarding untapped hydrocarbons and fisheries.
- The nature of the geopolitical conflict including the 'Nine-Dash Line' and militarization.
- Strategic implications for India's 'Act East Policy' and energy security.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much space on the history of the Paracel/Spratly Islands rather than current 'present context'.
- Failing to mention the UNCLOS framework or the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling.
- Ignoring the 'geopolitical' aspect by only focusing on economic resources like oil and gas.
- Omitting India's specific interests, such as ONGC Videsh's blocks or the 'Indo-Pacific' construct.
- Dimensions required
- Geographic/NavigationalEconomic/Resource-basedSecurity/MilitaryLegal/International LawStrategic/Diplomatic
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30-40 words to the geographical and trade importance (SLOCs). Use 80-90 words to discuss the 'Great Power' rivalry and territorial disputes (China vs. ASEAN/USA). Dedicate 40-50 words specifically to India's stakes and the shift from Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific, concluding with the need for a rules-based order.
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