GS2 2016 Q18 12 marks 200 words Foreign Policy

UPSC Mains 2016 GS2 Q18 — Foreign Policy

Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India's Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario. (Answer in 200 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Evaluate
Scope keywords
economic and strategic dimensionsIndia's Look East Policypost Cold War international scenario
Implicit sub-parts
  • Contextualize the shift from Nehruvian idealism to economic pragmatism after 1991.
  • Analyze the success of economic integration through ASEAN, trade agreements, and FDI.
  • Examine the strategic response to the vacuum left by the USSR and the rise of China's regional influence.
  • Assess the transition from 'Look East' to 'Act East' as a maturational evolution of the policy.
Common pitfalls
  • Focusing too much on the current 'Act East Policy' without adequately addressing the historical 'Look East' origin requested.
  • Neglecting the 'post Cold War' context, such as the 1991 BOP crisis and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
  • Treating economic and strategic dimensions as separate silos rather than interlinked drivers of regional stability.
  • Failing to mention the geographical bridge of North-East India as a specific strategic-economic pillar.
Dimensions required
Historical-GeopoliticalEconomic-MercantileStrategic-SecurityDiplomatic-Institutional
Marks allocation hint

Spend approximately 40 words on the 1991 context, 70 words on economic milestones like ASEAN-FTA, 70 words on strategic balancing and maritime security, and 20 words for a concluding evaluative summary.

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