Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
2. Did the non-aligned countries play any role in reducing Cold War conflicts? As one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, what responsibility did India shoulder? Critically examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe, NCERT Class 12 Contemporary World Politics
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
Highlight nature of engagement of NAM countries with the superpowers. Evaluate the role played by India, as a member of NAM.
Directive:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduce NAM, and the background in which it emerged.
Body:
Elaborate on the role played by NAM in easing tensions between the superpowers by citing examples. Note how NAM did not practise isolationism or neutrality.
Proceed to write the role played by India as part of NAM, and evaluate it (mention some of the criticisms of India’s role).
Conclusion:
End your answer noting that India continues to embrace NAM, mentioning PM Modi’s attendance at the 2020 summit and him referring to NAM as the “world’s moral voice”.
