QUESTION 7
GS4
10 marks
At the international level, bilateral relations are often governed by national interest without regard for other nations, leading to conflict and tension. How can ethical considerations help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss with examples how ethical considerations can ease tensions in self-interested bilateral relations.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Problem: realpolitik - pure national interest causes arms races, trade wars, border disputes≈30 words
- 2Ethical tools: dialogue, honesty, respect for sovereignty, equity, humanitarian aid, keeping treaties≈30 words
- 3Examples: Panchsheel, Indus Waters Treaty (1960) surviving wars until 2025, India's Vaccine Maitri and HADR (Operation Dost), Paris Agreement's CBDR≈30 words
- 4Limits: ethics alone cannot override security; ethics as enlightened self-interest≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Realism problemEthical principlesSpecific examplesLimitsConclusion
Where marks usually go
- No specific examples, though asked
- Ignoring national interest entirely
Draw this
- Spectrum: realism → enlightened self-interest → idealism
Value addition
- ExampleIndia's Vaccine Maitri (2021) supplied COVID vaccines to many countries, building goodwill.MEA, 2021
- ThinkerKant's 'Perpetual Peace' (1795) argued for a federation of free states bound by law to end war.Kant, 1795
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Vidushi Singh · AIR 13 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 7 ↗Same syllabus reference
- G Sanjana · AIR 55 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
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Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.