UPSC Mains 2015 GS2 Q20 — India-Pakistan Soft Power
Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- Terrorist activitiesmutual distrustsoft powersports and cultural exchangesgenerate goodwill
- Implicit sub-parts
- The inherent limitations of soft power in the face of 'hard' security threats like cross-border terrorism.
- A critical assessment of why previous soft power initiatives (Cricket diplomacy, Aman ki Asha) failed to provide long-term stability.
- The role of Track II diplomacy and people-to-people contact as a buffer during periods of high political tension.
- The necessity of a 'smart power' approach where soft power complements rather than replaces hard-nosed security policies.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a historical timeline of India-Pakistan wars instead of focusing on the 'Soft Power' mechanism.
- Adopting an overly idealistic or 'Bollywood-style' tone that ignores the reality of the 26/11 or Pulwama security paradigms.
- Failing to mention specific examples like the Kartarpur Corridor, Sufi shrines, or 'Cricket Diplomacy' of the 1980s/2000s.
- Neglecting the impact of social media and digital 'hard power' (disinformation) that currently counters soft power efforts.
- Dimensions required
- Security and Counter-TerrorismCultural and Religious DiplomacyTrack II and Public DiplomacyGeopolitical RealismSocial and Emotional Connectivity
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 40 words acknowledging the current deadlock and security concerns. Allocate 100 words to the core discussion of soft power instruments and their effectiveness, supported by specific examples. Dedicate the final 60 words to a balanced evaluation of why soft power is necessary but insufficient without addressing the structural issue of terrorism.
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