PT 360 IR (International Relations) May 2024: UPSC Prelims 2025

ANIMAL DIPLOMACY 

• Malaysia's Environmental Image Improvement through Orangutan Diplomacy
  
  • Malaysia is using "orangutan diplomacy" to enhance its environmental image
  • Orangutan diplomacy is a form of animal diplomacy
• Understanding Animal Diplomacy
  
  • Animal diplomacy involves giving or lending animals as a gesture of friendship or goodwill between countries
  • Animals chosen usually have cultural significance or are native to the country gifting them
• It is seen as a form of soft power
• Examples include China's panda diplomacy and Australia's koala diplomacy
• Ethical concerns exist as animals are sometimes treated as objects to serve the interests of nations

BIMSTEC ACQUIRES ‘LEGAL PERSONALITY’ AFTER CHARTER COMES INTO FORCE

• The BIMSTEC charter was signed and adopted during the 5th summit of the group in Sri Lanka in 2022.
• Nepal's endorsement of the charter completed the ratification process by all member states.
• The charter officially came into force on May 20, 2024.
• The charter outlines the goals, principles, and structure of BIMSTEC.
• It grants legal personality to the grouping and allows for external partnerships, observer status, and new member admissions.

Significance for India:

• Boosts India's Act East and Neighbourhood First policy.
• Acts as a link between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Provides an alternative platform after the dysfunction of SAARC since 2016.

Challenges Faced by BIMSTEC:

• Slow Organizational Progress: The charter took 27 years to be enforced.
• Absence of Free Trade Agreement: Members engage in trade with non-members due to the lack of an FTA.
• Strained Relations Between Members: Issues like the Rohingya refugee crisis and border disputes create tensions among members like Bangladesh-Myanmar and India-Nepal.

BIMSTEC:

• Establishment: BIMSTEC in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration
• Members: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan
• Secretariat: Located in Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Purpose: Aim to create a conducive environment for economic development, social progress, and peace in the Bay of Bengal region
• Major Projects: Implementation of the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity
• Exercises: Conducting the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (DMEX) to enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts.

GEOPOLITICAL RECESSION 

• Geopolitical recession is when established global power frameworks are crumbling, similar to economic recession.
• Responding to crises becomes more difficult due to decreased resilience of political institutions.
• Reasons for Current Geopolitical Recession
  
  • Rise of China and the Global South, along with decline of European and Japanese economic power.
  • Tensions over trade between the US and China.

GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE CHANGING TIMES 

News Context

The UN System, WTO, IMF, and World Bank (WB) are facing criticism for their inability to achieve their intended goals.

Context of formation of major Global Institutions

Many of the significant international organizations were established during a time of war, a divided world, and significant disparities in development.

• United Nations (UN) System
  
  • Formed in 1945 after World War I and II
  • Aims to prevent global conflicts, promote international cooperation, maintain peace and security, provide humanitarian assistance, protect human rights, and uphold international law
• World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  
  • Formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference
  • WB promotes economic development and poverty reduction
  • IMF aims to establish a new international monetary and financial system
• World Trade Organization (WTO)
  
  • Formed in 1995 during the gradual liberalization of international trade
  • Aims to facilitate trade liberalization by reducing tariffs, eliminating barriers, and promoting the free flow of goods, services, and investment

What are the issues in continuing with current structures?

• Representation & Inclusiveness:
  
  • Global institutions formed in the last century do not adequately represent developing countries.
  • For example, India, with a large population and economy, has a low SDR quota in the IMF.
• Growing Bilateral and Multilateral Groupings:
  
  • Alternative forums like G20, G7, and BRICS have decreased the importance of global institutions.
  • BRICS countries established the New Development Bank as an alternative to the World Bank.
• Misuse of Veto Power:
  
  • Permanent UNSC members misuse their veto power to protect self-interest.
  • For instance, Russia vetoed resolutions condemning its actions in Ukraine.
• Rising Protectionism and Trade Tensions:
  
  • Protectionist policies and trade tensions disrupt the global trade system and multilateral frameworks like the WTO.
  • The U.S. blocking the appointment of the WTO's Appellate Body weakens its role in trade disputes.
• Inability to handle emerging challenges:
  
  • Global institutions struggle to address 21st-century issues like climate change and cyber-security.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the UN and WHO's failure to effectively respond to crises.
• Backlash Against Globalization:
  
  • Public discontent and political backlash against globalization are fueled by concerns over job losses and income inequality.
  • Calls for more inward-looking economic policies are increasing.

INDIA’S ACT OF BALANCING BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP

News Context

• Reasons for India potentially facing sanctions from the USA
• Chabahar port deal with Iran: USA concerned it may go against trade sanctions on Iran
• Purchase of S-400 missile defence system from Russia: CAATSA allows for sanctions on countries with significant transactions with Iran, North Korea, or Russia

Impact on India's foreign relations

• India's strategies tested in managing relationships with various players in the region and globally
• Events like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine crises add complexity to India's foreign policy decisions

Strategies for Balancing Bilateral Relationships:

1. Strategic Autonomy:

• India maintains independence in its relationships with Russia and the US.
• Refuses to let any country dictate its foreign policy.

2. De-hyphenation:

• Engages with countries involved in conflicts independently.
• Relationship with Israel and Palestine stand on their own merits.

3. Wider Diplomatic Engagements:

• Successfully evacuated students during the Russia-Ukraine crisis through Operation Ganga.
• Engages with various countries like Russia, Ukraine, USA, Romania, etc.

4. Multi-polarity and Multilateralism:

• Pushes for reforms at international organizations like the UN Security Council.
• Engages with like-minded countries worldwide.

5. Alternative Mechanisms: Uses Rupee-Rouble trade and Rupee-Rial mechanism to balance bilateral relationships.

6. Soft Power Outreach:

• Engages with diaspora like NRIs and PIOs to build India's global presence.
• Indians in the USA lobbied for the Indo-US Nuclear Deal.

7. Role of Mediator:

• Maintains a neutral stance and brings diverse stakeholders to the negotiating table.
• Hosted G20 and positioned itself as a dealmaker in the international order.

INDIA AND INDONESIA RELATIONS 

News Context

• India and Indonesia celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024
• Activities were held to mark 75 years of Track 1.5 Diplomacy in bilateral ties
• Indonesian embassy organized an e-sports show match at the India Gaming Show 2024 in Pune
• Embassy of India in Jakarta, along with Observer Research Foundation, hosted the inaugural Jakarta Futures Forum (JFF)
• The JFF is a joint commitment to build a meaningful and inclusive future together
• The first-ever "India-Indonesia defence industry exhibition-cum-seminar" was organized in Jakarta

Thematic pillar of JFF

• Capitalising on Climate: Emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change for a sustainable future
• Claiming the Digital Horizons: Exploring opportunities and challenges in the digital world
• Road to Equality: Investing in Women-led Sustainable Development: Promoting gender equality and supporting women in sustainable development initiatives.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC) 

News Context

• ICC prosecutor requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister and Hamas leaders for crimes against humanity and war crimes
• In March 2023, ICC issued an arrest warrant for the Russian President in relation to the situation in Ukraine
• Consequences of ICC issuing arrest warrants include potential arrest of the accused and restrictions on their freedom of movement as member states are required to arrest them.

About International Criminal Court (ICC)

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the first permanent international court that investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of serious international crimes.
• The ICC's founding treaty, the Rome Statute, grants the court jurisdiction over four main crimes.
• Membership in the ICC includes 124 countries that are States Parties to the Rome Statute, with notable exceptions such as India, Israel, the US, Russia, and China.
• The Assembly of States Parties, with one representative from each party, oversees and manages the ICC.
• The official languages of the ICC are English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
• While the ICC's decisions are binding, the court relies on state cooperation for enforcement as it does not have its own police force.
• Additional components of the ICC include the Trust Fund for Victims, which provides assistance and reparations to victims, and a Detention Centre for holding detainees.
• The ICC operates under the Complementarity Principle, meaning it only prosecutes when states are unwilling or unable to genuinely do so themselves.

4 Categories of Crime under ICC

1. Genocide: Intentionally targeting and attempting to eliminate a specific national, ethnic, racial, or religious group through acts of violence or other methods.

2. Crimes against humanity:

• Large-scale attacks against civilian populations involve serious violations of human rights.
• The Rome Statute lists five forms of serious violations, including murder, rape, imprisonment, enforced disappearances, enslavement, torture, and apartheid.
• These violations are considered crimes against humanity and are subject to prosecution under international law.

3. War crimes:

• Violations of the Geneva Conventions during armed conflict
• Involves the recruitment of child soldiers, as well as the killing or torture of civilians and prisoners of war
• Deliberate attacks on hospitals, historic monuments, and other protected sites are also considered grave breaches of the conventions

4. Crime of aggression: The act of a State using military force against another State's sovereignty, integrity, or independence.

Jurisdiction of ICC under the Rome Statute

• Genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes committed after July 1, 2002
  
  • Committed by a State Party national, in the territory of a State Party, or in a State that has accepted the jurisdiction of the Court
  • Referred to the ICC Prosecutor by the United Nations Security Council under chapter VII of the UN Charter
• Crimes of aggression
  
  • Crimes referred to the ICC Prosecutor by the UN Security Council, regardless of States Parties involvement
  • Prosecutor can also initiate an investigation on their own or upon request from a State Party
• No jurisdiction over individuals under the age of 18

Why did India not join the Rome Statute?

• Subordination of the ICC to the UN Security Council
  
  • Article 16 of Rome statute prevents investigation after Security Council request
  • Potential for political interference
• UN Security Council's power to bind non-States Parties
  
  • Violates principles of sovereignty
• Wide competence and powers of ICC prosecutor
  
  • Can act without referral from Security Council or state party
  • Potential for misuse for political purposes
• Exclusion of nuclear weapons and terrorism from ICC jurisdiction
  
  • Use would constitute a war crime
  • Limits ICC's ability to address certain serious crimes

Comparison between ICC and ICJ

INDIA’S TELECOM DIPLOMACY 

• India marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by highlighting its success in Telecom Diplomacy.
• Telecom Diplomacy has played a key role in bringing in new business opportunities, forming partnerships, and showcasing India's dedication to maintaining its leadership in the global telecommunications sector.

Steps taken for Telecom Diplomacy

• Strategic Partnerships with partner countries and Telecom chip companies: 'US-India OpenRadio Access (ORAN) Network Acceleration Roadmap'.
• Exchange of Best Practices: India-USA collaboration facilitated dialogue on international best practices in spectrum allocation, quality of service assurance, etc.
• The DoT explored potential collaborations to elevate R&D, foster innovation, and fortify the startup ecosystem in Quantum Communications within India.
• Transforming India Mobile Congress (IMC): Significant efforts were undertaken to make IMC a global event like Mobile World Congress by 2025.

Achievements of Telecom Diplomacy

• Indian companies have exported Rs 25200 crores worth of telecom equipment and accessories 2023-24.
• Securing Indian Interests and leadership positions in international forums
• India's active participation at the World Radio Conference (WRC) resulted in safeguarding spectrum for Indian operations in airspace and sea and enabling future 5G deployments.
• The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) will be held for the first time in India (October 2024, New Delhi) to decide the future direction of standards for the next generation of telecommunication systems.

MIDDLE-POWER 

• Middle powers are countries that rank below great powers but still have significant influence in global politics.
• Great powers are countries with a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
• Middle powers have extensive diplomatic, economic, multilateral, and military capabilities.
• They Compromise:
  
  • Global North countries like Australia, Canada, and South Korea.
  • Global South nations like India, Argentina, Brazil, and Indonesia.
• Significance of Middle Powers
  
  • Middle powers play a crucial role in strengthening multilateralism.
  • They represent the voice of the global south in international affairs.

SECOND INDIA-US STRATEGIC DIALOGUE ON AFRICA HELD IN WASHINGTON DC 

• The purpose of the dialogue is to discuss and collaborate on ways to improve cooperation between India and the US in Africa.
• This dialogue marks the first time India and the US have come together to discuss Africa since the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India's presidency. 
• The focus is on developing partnerships and finding ways to work together more effectively in Africa.

Significance of Africa for India

• Strategic importance for maritime security and trade protection in Indian Ocean Region
• Economic opportunities with vast natural resources and growing market
• Energy security through collaboration in renewable energy sector
• Multilateral cooperation enhances India's global influence and South-South cooperation prospects

Challenges in India-Africa Relations

• China's influence in Africa through BRI poses challenge to India's interests
• Security risks due to conflicts and political instability in Africa
• Racial tensions leading to complaints of harassment and discrimination from African students

Initiatives by India to engage Africa

• Kampala Principles (2018): These are 10 guiding principles outlined by the Indian Prime Minister for the India-Africa partnership. They focus on developing together as equals, fostering local partnerships, and promoting sustainable development.
• Asia-Africa Growth Corridor: This initiative was launched by India to enhance cooperation with African countries in partnership with Japan. It aims to promote economic growth and development in both regions through various projects and initiatives.
• Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation: This program offers capacity-building opportunities to professionals and students from African countries. It helps in sharing India's expertise and knowledge with African nations to support their development goals.
• Human Assistance and Disaster Relief: India has conducted operations like Op Sahayata to assist cyclone-hit Mozambique in 2019 and Op Vanilla to provide relief to flood victims in Madagascar in 2020. These operations demonstrate India's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to countries in need during times of crisis.

SOUTH-CHINA SEA 

• The Philippines has denied China's assertion that an agreement has been reached regarding the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
• The South China Sea is a region in the western Pacific Ocean that extends from Singapore and the Strait of Malacca in the southwest to the Strait of Taiwan in the northeast.

Key Disputes in the South China Sea

• The South China Sea is the subject of various disputes, including China's nine-dash line claim that overlaps with the exclusive economic zone claims of multiple countries.
• Paracel Islands: Controlled by China but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.
• Spratly Islands: Claimed by multiple countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, and Malaysia.
• Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged reef, is located near the Spratly Islands.
• Scarborough Shoal: Claimed by China, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

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