Insights Weekly Essay Challenges 2018 – Week 49
16 December 2018
Write an essay on the following topic in not more than 1000-1200 words:
Trade Wars – Economic or Geopolitical?
Hint to Topic:
In the light of the ongoing trade war between the US and China, you should analyse whether this trade war is geopolitical or economic one.
You can take three positions: One, it’s economic; secondly, it’s geopolitical; third, it’s both.
Write this essay drawing lessons from previous trade wars (post 1900s though). See if lessons are relevant today for main actors that are involved in these trade wars.
See if you can fit India into the discussion. But don’t spend too many words on Indian angle.
In the essay, define trade wars. See how these wars different compared to conventional wars. Do cost-benefit analysis.
In the body, analyse various factors that lead to trade wars (in addition to economic and geopolitical). Also analyse consequences of trade wars – not only on the actors, but also on poor nations.
See if you can interlink trade wars with hot topics like climate change and space race (within the purview of the essay topic).
In this essay, facts and data are very much needed. Collect them from authentic sites like New York Times or Financial Times, or from the Economist.
Wish you all the best!
