Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 27 January 2025

Content:

1. Genocide and the world’s averted gaze
2. India with Indonesia

Genocide and The World’s Averted Gaze

Definition and Historical Context

• Genocide: Defined by the Genocide Convention (1948) as acts intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
• Auschwitz: Liberation in 1945 revealed the scale of atrocities against Jews (1.1 million killed). Marked the global commitment to “never again.”

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Practice Question : Discuss the role of international norms and institutions in preventing genocide, with examples. (250Words)

Institutional Framework for Prevention

• Genocide Convention (1948)
  • Legally binds nations to prevent and punish genocide.
  • Example: Establishment of mechanisms like the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

• United Nations
  • Early Warning Signs: UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes addressing “clear warning signs.”
  • Peacekeeping Missions: Failures in Rwanda (1994) and Srebrenica (1995) showcase institutional gaps.

• International Criminal Court (ICC)
  • Prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
  • Example: ICC warrants for Sudanese leaders during Darfur genocide.

• Regional Frameworks
  • African Union interventions: Example of efforts in South Sudan post-2013 civil war.

Failures in Prevention

• Cold War Politics: Khmer Rouge (1975-79) atrocities ignored due to geopolitical interests.
• Rwanda (1994): UN peacekeepers lacked authority and reinforcements.
• Srebrenica (1995): Failure of NATO and UN to protect Bosnian Muslims.

Contemporary Challenges

• Darfur and Sudan (2003-05, ongoing)
  • ICC recognized genocide, but violence persists due to weak enforcement mechanisms.
  • Current instability fuels fears of genocide amidst global inattention.

• Gaza (2023)
  • Allegations of genocide under ICJ scrutiny.
  • High civilian casualties and destruction while global powers avert attention.

• Hierarchy of Suffering
  • Unequal international responses based on geopolitical interests.

Need for Strengthened Action

• Early Detection and Response
  • Addressing warning signs through diplomatic pressure and sanctions.

• Reinforcing International Mechanisms
  • Strengthening ICC and peacekeeping mandates.

• Global Consensus
  • Bridging gaps in responses to state and non-state actors to uphold humanitarian norms.

Conclusion

Despite frameworks like the Genocide Convention, failures in Rwanda, Srebrenica, Darfur, and ongoing crises like Gaza highlight gaps in global responses. Strengthening international norms, addressing biases, and ensuring timely interventions are critical to fulfilling the promise of “never again.”

India with Indonesia

Historical Context

• Ancient Ties:
  • Robust cultural and religious exchange based on trade and travel.
  • Adaptation of Hinduism in Javanese traditions and use of Vedic scriptures.
  • Sanskrit as a linguistic bridge in historical texts and cultural interactions.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Practice Question : Examine the historical, strategic, and geopolitical ties between India and Indonesia. Discuss how both nations can address contemporary challenges to deepen their bilateral relations. (250 Words)

Colonial and Post-Independence Period:

• Shared solidarity against imperialism.
  • India’s active support for Indonesia’s independence struggle (e.g., banning Dutch overflights and aiding evacuation of Indonesian leaders).
  • Sukarno’s acknowledgment of India’s support in his article in The Hindu (January 5, 1950).

Cold War and Non-Alignment:

• Both nations were co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
  • Collaboration began at the Bandung Conference, promoting Asian-African solidarity and neutrality in great power politics.

Strategic and Geopolitical Context

• Recent Concerns:
  • Shared interests in addressing challenges like:
    • U.S.-China rivalry.
    • China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Global issues like food, fertilizer, and fuel security due to Ukraine conflict.
  • Commitment to multilateralism despite weakening global frameworks (e.g., WTO, UN).

• Collaborative Efforts:
  • Close coordination during G-20 presidencies (Bali 2022, Delhi 2023).
  • Indonesia joining BRICS marks an expansion of their geopolitical partnership.

Current Developments and Challenges

• Key Outcomes of Prabowo Subianto’s Visit:
  • Signing of five MoUs in:
    • Health and traditional medicine.
    • Maritime security.
    • Digital development.
    • Cultural cooperation.
  • Mention of defence cooperation without concrete agreements.

• Missed Opportunities:
  • No progress on the sale of India’s Brahmos missile.
  • Delays in Sabang Port project and Aceh-Andamans connectivity initiatives.
  • Non-committal joint statement on geopolitical conflicts despite shared concerns.

Shared Aspirations

• Economic Potential:
  • As two major economies of South Asia and Southeast Asia, they represent significant opportunities for trade and investment growth.

• Cultural and Religious Harmony:
  • Historical examples of tolerance among religious majorities towards minorities serve as models of pluralism.

• Geostrategic Cooperation:
  • Strengthening maritime security ties is vital for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Leveraging platforms like BRICS and G-20 for a common agenda.