UPSC Mains 2016 GS3 Q17 — Internal Security
The terms 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Surgical Strikes' are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. (Answer in not more than 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- Hot PursuitSurgical Strikesarmed actionterrorist attacksstrategic impact
- Implicit sub-parts
- Conceptual distinction between Hot Pursuit (immediate chase across borders) and Surgical Strikes (pre-planned precision strikes).
- Shift in India's security doctrine from 'strategic restraint' to 'proactive deterrence'.
- Analysis of long-term strategic benefits versus potential risks of escalation and international diplomatic friction.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a historical narrative of the 2016 Uri or 2019 Balakot strikes instead of analyzing their strategic 'impact'.
- Failing to define 'Hot Pursuit' accurately, often confusing it with general cross-border raids.
- Ignoring the 'risks' side of the strategic impact, such as the threat of nuclear escalation or the 'New Normal' in bilateral relations.
- Neglecting the role of intelligence and international law (right to self-defense) in justifying such actions.
- Dimensions required
- Geopolitical/DiplomaticMilitary/TacticalSecurity DoctrineInternational LawPsychological/Deterrence
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 40-50 words to define the terms and their doctrinal shift. Dedicate the bulk (120 words) to discussing the impact, splitting it between positive deterrence and the challenges of escalation management. Use the final 30-40 words to conclude on the necessity of a 'comprehensive national power' approach beyond just kinetic action.
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