Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
2. What is ‘soft power’? Evaluate the prospects & limitations of Indian diaspora with respect to the role they can play in India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
This week, our parliamentary committee on external affairs tabled its 16th report, titled India’s Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy: Prospects & Limitations, in which it has made a raft of recommendations on how better to project this power in conjunction with conventional diplomacy.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role Indian diaspora can play in furthering the nations soft power.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining soft power.
Body:
In brief, write about the various forms of soft power and their manifestations.
Next, write about India diaspora as an agent of soft power – write about the prospects – bridging cultural gaps, contributing to economic progress, spread of Indian culture etc.
Next, write about their limitations – anti-immigrant policies, brain drain, lack of opportunities etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion on the issue.
