Contemporary South Asia - Class 12 Political Science - Chapter 3 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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Identify the country:
a. The struggle among pro-monarchy, pro-democracy groups and extremists created an atmosphere of political instability:
b. A landlocked country with multi-party competition:
c. The first country to liberalise its economy in the South Asian region:
d. In the conflict between the military and pro-democracy groups, the military has prevailed over democracy:
e. Centrally located and shares borders with most of the South Asian countries:
f. Earlier the island had the Sultan as the head of state. Now, it’s a republic:
g. Small savings and credit cooperatives in the rural areas have helped in reducing poverty:
h. A landlocked country with a monarchy:
a. Nepal: The description fits Nepal, where a struggle among pro-monarchy, pro-democracy groups and Maoist extremists created considerable political instability.
b. Nepal: A landlocked country with a history of political parties competing in a multi-party democracy.
c. Sri Lanka: Known for being the first country in the South Asian region to liberalize its economy.
d. Pakistan: Here, military control has often prevailed over attempts to establish and maintain democracy.
e. India: Centrally located and shares borders with most of the South Asian countries.
f. Maldives: Initially a Sultanate, now a republic with a presidential form of government.
g. Bangladesh: Known for the Grameen Bank's pioneering role in promoting small savings and credit cooperatives in rural areas.
h. Bhutan: Prior to its democratic transition in 2008, Bhutan was a landlocked country with a monarchy.
Which among the following statements about South Asia is wrong?
a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic.
b) Bangladesh and India have signed an agreement on river-water sharing.
c) SAFTA was signed at the 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad.
d) The US and China play an influential role in South Asian politics.
The incorrect statement about South Asia is:
a) All the countries in South Dakota are democratic.
This statement is not entirely true, as the political systems across the countries in South Asia vary significantly. While countries like India and Sri Lanka have maintained democratic systems, other countries like Pakistan have experienced both civilian and military rulers, and the level of democracy has been inconsistent.
What are some of the commonalities and differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences?
Commonalities in the democratic experiences of Bangladesh and Pakistan include a history of military rule and struggles in establishing stable democratic governance. Both countries experienced military coups that disrupted democratic processes. For instance, General Ayub Khan in Pakistan and General Ziaur Rahman and Lt Gen H.M. Ershad in Bangladesh led military regimes. Initial periods post-independence showed democratic attempts that were often interrupted by military takeovers.
Differences include the nature of democratic recovery. Bangladesh, post initial upheavals, including the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, returned to civilian rule and has been maintaining a democratic framework, although with charges of authoritarianism under the Awami League. Conversely, Pakistan has witnessed more frequent and prolonged military interventions with only intermittent democratic spells. Pakistan began with democratic governance in the 1990s, observed interruptions by military coups (e.g., General Pervez Musharraf in 1999), and has an ongoing struggle with the civilian-military power balance despite formally being a democracy since 2008.
List three challenges to democracy in Nepal.
Nepal has faced several challenges in its journey towards a stable democracy:
Monarchical Control: Historically, the monarchy in Nepal retained significant control over the government, often dismissing democratic governments and restricting the political freedoms which hindered the development of a robust democratic structure.
Maoist Insurgency: Nepal experienced a prolonged and violent conflict between Maoist insurgents, who advocated for radical changes through armed struggle, and state forces. This insurgency disrupted governance and caused significant political instability.
Political Instability: The frequent changes in government and political turmoil, especially observed during the 1990s and early 2000s, have posed consistent challenges to the establishment of stable governance and effective democracy. Despite a move towards democratic reform, transitions have often been tumultuous and marked by protests and dissatisfaction among various political factions.
Name the principal players in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. How do you assess the prospects of the resolution of this conflict?
Principal Players in the Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka:
Sinhala Community: The majority community that dominates the political landscape of Sri Lanka and has often been in conflict with the minority Tamils over political and cultural dominance.
Tamil Community: Comprising both indigenous Tamils and those of Indian origin, they have faced social and political discrimination, leading to demands for equal rights and even secession.
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE): A militant organization that sought an independent Tamil state through armed struggle.
Government of Sri Lanka: Engaged in military and political efforts to preserve the unity of the state while dealing with Tamil demands and insurgency.
Government of India: Played a mediating role, especially during the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, and has a vested interest due to the Tamil population in India.
Prospects for Resolution:
The prospects for resolving the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka have seen significant changes. The military defeat of the LTTE in 2009 marked a crucial turning point, ending the armed struggle but not fully addressing the underlying issues. Post-conflict, the Sri Lankan government has taken steps towards reconciliation, including constitutional and administrative reforms aimed at decentralizing power and promoting greater inclusion of Tamils in governance.
However, challenges persist, such as allegations of human rights violations, the need for wartime accountability, and the sustained implementation of devolution policies. The role of international actors and observers remains influential, promoting human rights and democratic governance.
To achieve a lasting peace, comprehensive and inclusive policies that address the political, cultural, and socio-economic grievances of all communities are essential. Trust-building, continued dialogue, and a commitment to democratic norms are crucial for a sustainable resolution. The participation of all stakeholders in a transparent and fair process is imperative to move beyond historical grievances towards a shared future.
Mention some of the recent agreements between India and Pakistan. Can we be sure that the two countries are well on their way to a friendly relationship?
Recent Agreements between India and Pakistan
In the ongoing efforts to manage tensions and enhance peaceful cooperation, India and Pakistan have made significant strides. Notably, they agreed to undertake confidence-building measures to reduce the risk of unintended conflict. Furthermore, the two nations have facilitated people-to-people connections by opening new bus routes and increasing cross-border trade, particularly in Punjab. Visas issuance processes have been streamlined, making travels between the two countries more feasible.
Evaluating the Prospect of a Friendly Relationship
While these developments are positive, the road to a genuinely friendly relationship remains complex. Continuous suspicion and sporadic tensions underscore the fragility of their relationship. Progress in dialogues and treaties such as these are steps in the right direction but do not yet secure a state of amicable relations. Historical disputes, especially over regions like Kashmir, and strategic interests continue to present significant challenges that require more than bilateral agreements to resolve comprehensively. Thus, while recent agreements are promising, declaring a transition to a wholly friendly relationship would be premature. The frequency and sincerity of cooperative measures in the coming years will better indicate the potential for a durable peace.
Mention two areas each of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh.
Cooperation between India and Bangladesh
Economic Relations: Over the past two decades, economic relations between India and Bangladesh have improved significantly. This encompasses increased trade, joint ventures, and broader economic collaboration.
Environmental and Disaster Management: India and Bangladesh have cooperated on various environmental issues and disaster management, particularly in dealing with the aftereffects of cyclones and floods that affect both nations due to their geographic proximity.
Disagreements between India and Bangladesh
Sharing of River Waters: The two countries have had longstanding disputes over the sharing of river waters, particularly of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. These disputes arise from issues related to water allocation, river management, and access to water during dry seasons.
Illegal Immigration and Border Security: India has expressed concerns about illegal immigration from Bangladesh, which is seen as a threat to its national security and economic stability. Conversely, Bangladesh has concerns regarding the treatment of its nationals in India and the fencing of the border.
How are the external powers influencing bilateral relations in South Asia? Take any one example to illustrate your point.
External Powers Influencing Bilateral Relations in South Aisa
External powers have significantly influenced bilateral relations in South Asia, often shaping the regional dynamics. A pertinent example is the United States' role in India-Pakistan relations. Historically, the US has had strategic interests in both countries and has played varying roles at different times. During the Cold War, Pakistan was an ally of the US in its containment strategy against the Soviet Union, receiving substantial military and economic assistance, which influenced its stance against India. Post-Cold War, US involvement intensified following the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan in 1998, positioning the US as a crucial diplomatic mediator in de-escalating tensions, such as during the Kargil Conflict.
Moreover, with the onset of global concerns over terrorism and the strategic need to stabilize Afghanistan, the US engagement in the region has aimed at maintaining balance, often by providing aid and engaging in diplomacy to mitigate conflicts between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. This involvement reflects how external powers can affect bilateral relations, sometimes stabilizing them and other times driving competition, based on broader geostrategic interests.
Write a short note on the role and the limitations of SAARC as a forum for facilitating economic cooperation among the South Asian countries.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, serves as a pivotal platform aimed at promoting economic and regional integration among its eight South Asian member countries. Despite its noble intentions, SAARC’s progress has been hampered by political differences among its member states, particularly between India and Pakistan, its two largest economies. These political frictions have often overshadowed economic initiatives, leading to a lackluster performance in terms of regional economic integration.
Economically, SAARC holds immense potential to enhance trade and investment opportunities within the region. The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), initiated under the SAARC framework, aspires to reduce customs duties of all traded goods to zero by the year 2016. However, the success of such initiatives has been limited. Fear among smaller nations regarding India's dominance in the region further complicates economic liberalization efforts. They perceive economic pacts like SAFTA as avenues for larger nations, particularly India, to dominate their markets.
Although SAARC has made certain strides in areas like agriculture and rural development, energy, and education, its impact on significant economic cooperation and integration remains below potential. The organization must overcome political hurdles and foster trust among its members to realize its goal of transforming South Asia into a united, economically vibrant region.
India’s neighbours often think that the Indian government tries to dominate and interfere in the domestic affairs of the smaller countries of the region. Is this a correct impression?
India's perceived role as a dominant power in South Asia often creates a tense dynamic with its smaller neighbors. Given its size, population, and economic capability, India is sometimes viewed as a regional hegemony, which tends to instigate fear or suspicion among its neighbors. For instance, countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka have occasionally accused India of interfering in their domestic politics, often citing India's involvement in their internal conflicts or political processes as overreach.
The smaller nations in the region also express concerns over India’s interventions in issues like river water sharing or border disputes, perceiving these actions as India asserting dominance. For example, Bangladesh has had disputes with India over the sharing of Ganga and Brahmaputra river waters, reflecting underlying tensions regarding resource allocation.
However, it is also important to note that India's engagements are often driven by security concerns and the desire to maintain regional stability, which sometimes necessitates involvement in the affairs of neighboring countries. Thus, while India’s actions may sometimes be perceived as overbearing, they often stem from broader strategic and security imperatives.
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Understanding Contemporary South Asia: Class 12 Notes
Introduction to Contemporary South Asia
The Significance of South Asia in Global Politics
South Asia, consisting of countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, holds a significant place in global politics. The region is home to about one-fifth of the world's population and has been a crucial area for strategic, economic, and political developments.
Countries Included in South Asia
South Asia generally includes the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Himalayan mountains in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south provide a natural boundary for the region.
Political Systems in South Asia
Democratic Systems in India and Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka have operated democratic systems since gaining independence from the British. Despite the challenges, both countries have maintained a representative democracy, with India being the world's largest democracy.
Political Developments in Pakistan and Bangladesh
Pakistan and Bangladesh have oscillated between civilian and military rule. Pakistan experienced military coups in 1958, 1977, and 1999 but returned to civilian rule in 2008. Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, became independent in 1971 and has had a mix of military and democratic governments since then.
Nepal’s Transition from Monarchy to Democracy
Nepal transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a democratic republic in 2008 after a decade-long civil war led by Maoist insurgents.
Bhutan’s Move to Constitutional Monarchy
Bhutan transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008, initiating a multi-party democratic system.
The Maldives' Political Dynamics
The Maldives transformed from a Sultanate to a republic in 1968. In 2005, it introduced a multi-party system, and the Maldives Democratic Party has been influential in its politics.
Major Conflicts in South Asia
Historical Conflicts Between India and Pakistan
The Kashmir issue has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan, leading to wars in 1947-48, 1965, and conflicts in Kargil in 1999. Both countries have a history of strategic rivalry, including the arms race and nuclear tests in 1998.
Water Sharing Disputes: The Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 has been crucial in managing the water resources shared by India and Pakistan, despite minor disagreements.
The Role of Insurgent Groups
Insurgent groups have played a significant role in the political dynamics of South Asia. Prominent examples include the Maoists in Nepal and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka.
Regional Cooperation Efforts
The Role of SAARC in Regional Peace
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985 to promote regional cooperation. Although political differences have hindered its success, SAARC remains a symbol of collective effort.
The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)
The SAFTA agreement, effective from 2006, aims to reduce trade tariffs and promote economic cooperation among South Asian countries.
Cross-border Initiatives for Peace: India-Pakistan Relations
Efforts to manage tensions between India and Pakistan include confidence-building measures, increased trade, and improved visa procedures.
External Influences in South Asia
The Influence of China in South Asia
China has a significant strategic partnership with Pakistan and growing economic ties with other South Asian countries, influencing the region's geopolitics.
The Role of the United States in Regional Politics
Post-Cold War, the US has had substantial involvement in South Asia, fostering relations with both India and Pakistan and supporting regional stability.
Globalisation and Its Impact on South Asia
Globalisation has brought South Asian countries closer economically, increasing trade and investment, and has influenced political relationships.
Socio-Economic Development in South Asia
Economic Growth Trends
South Asia has shown remarkable economic growth, with India being a significant driver. However, there are disparities among the countries concerning development and wealth distribution.
Human Development Indices
South Asia has made progress in human development, but challenges like literacy rates, life expectancy, and poverty remain.
Challenges and Prospects for Future Development
The region faces challenges like political instability, poverty, and social issues but holds considerable potential due to its young population and economic opportunities.
Cultural and Social Dynamics
Linguistic Diversity in South Asia
South Asia is known for its linguistic diversity, with numerous languages spoken across the region, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
Shared Cultural Aspects
Despite diversity, South Asian countries share cultural traits, including festivals, cuisine, and historical influences, fostering a sense of regional identity.
Conclusion
The Future of South Asia: Conflict or Cooperation?
The future of South Asia depends on the balance between conflict and cooperation. Diplomatic efforts, regional partnerships, and socio-economic development are crucial for regional stability.
The Role of Democracy in the Region’s Stability
The aspiration for democracy is strong in South Asia, contributing to the region’s stability. Despite mixed records, democratic norms are becoming more accepted.
South Asia remains a region of great diversity and potential. Understanding its contemporary dynamics helps grasp how history, politics, and socio-economic factors intersect in shaping its future.
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