International Relations This Week: Episode 81

International relations is a very important segment of the UPSC syllabus. In this series, we present an analysis of the most important international issues and developments that occurred over the past week relevant for the IAS exam. In this article, you can learn more about the latest developments in the UK, Afghanistan, the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting and other issues.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Developments in the U.K.
2. G-20, 2022, Bali
3. Developments in Europe
4. Afghanistan

1. Developments in the U.K.

Context

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation after over 50 members of his government resigned in protest against a series of ethics scandals.

Details

• After defeating the no-confidence motion passed against him it was expected that Boris Johnson would continue to be the Prime Minister of Britain for at least a year as there must be a gap of 12 months between two no-confidence motions.
• However, he was forced to resign by his own team and party members.
• Boris Johnson’s term was seen to be chaotic with various scandals and accusations against him which includes his handling of the case of a senior official accused of sexual misconduct, illegal parties at his office during the coronavirus lockdown and his treatment of the conventions and institutions of the country.

Path ahead

• Experts feel that as there is no clear and obvious replacement for the post of Prime Minister, the removal of Boris Johnson has given rise to more questions than answers.
• Further, the contenders for the post after Boris Johnson are also known to have various allegations against them.
• Boris Johnson was also against the break up of the United Kingdom post-Brexit and it is to be seen if Ireland and Scotland look to further their demands of splitting from the U.K.
• There is also uncertainty about the future of the economy of the country post Brexit.

Way forward for India

• India should not cheer or worry about Indian origin individuals being elected as the next Prime Minister of Britain as these people in the past have not recognised themselves as a part of the Indian diaspora and have worked in the interest of their countries of domicile.
• India should keep a close watch on how the instability in the U.K. is going to impact international relations and India’s interests.
• Further, any impact on the British and Europe’s economies will have a direct bearing on the economy of India.
• With a significant number of Indians living in the U.K., the Indian government should be wary of the sense of racism that is prevailing among the ruling elite class of Britain.

2. G-20, 2022, Bali

Context

G-20 Foreign Minister’s meeting 2022 was held in Bali, Indonesia.

G-20 or the Group of Twenty 

• The G20 was established in 1999 as a strategic multilateral grouping that consists of the world’s major developed and emerging economies.
• It consists of 19 countries and the European Union as members.
• The G20 members represent:
  • Over 80% of global GDP
  • About 75% of international trade 
  • Close to 2/3rd of the global population

Learn more about G20.

Levels of diplomacy in G20

• Sherpa track – The G-20 agenda is fixed based on the guidance of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors which is finalised by a unique system of ‘Sherpas’, who are special emissaries of G-20 leaders.
• Finance track – The Finance Track gathers G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic, fiscal and monetary issues. 

Significance of the meet for India

• The meeting has gained a lot of importance as it took place during the changing dynamics in the global order since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Also, it was held at a very crucial stage for India as the major powers of the world are pressurising India to move away from its traditional relations with Russia.
• Despite its hostile relations with China, India’s trade with China is increasing, especially the imports from China which is aggravating the trade imbalance.
• India is slated to take over the G20 Presidency in December 2022 and host the G20 Summit in November 2023 in Pragati Maidan, Delhi. 

Way forward for India

• India must carefully balance its interests with the interests of the developing and the developed countries, especially when handling converging and diverging interests.
• India should use this platform provided by the grouping to discuss and find a solution to the existing challenges within its borders with China.
• India should also utilise the opportunity provided by the grouping to assume the role of a leader and engage with the Western countries and Russia in the wake of the Ukraine war.
• India being a member of various multilateral groupings such as the G20, QUAD, BRICS and SCO provides a unique opportunity for India to use its multilateral diplomacy to better its bilateral relations with various countries such as Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E.

3. Developments in Europe

Details

• After being reelected in April 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron lost his absolute majority and lost control of the National Assembly.
• This latest development is said to be a major setback to the country and can cause political paralysis unless Macron is able to negotiate alliances with other parties.
• France is now facing a period of prolonged political instability, which is also aggravated due to the international crisis in Ukraine and the increasing economic problems in the country. 

Impact of latest developments in Europe

• Macron intended to establish an autonomous security policy for Europe the future of which is now uncertain.
• Macron also enjoyed his extended influence on various countries in Africa and the Middle East such as Lebanon and had proposed various initiatives for these countries which are also threatened.
• The political paralysis in France will impact the total influence of the European Union in global politics.
• With Germany which is another important power in Europe struggling with its energy resources post Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the crisis in France will have a direct impact on the economic recovery of the region.
• Further, NATO, which has a significant number of European countries as its members, is losing its credibility of being an effective force to protect its members from external aggression.
• There have also been doubts expressed on the effectiveness and the influence of the European Union in terms of human rights, freedom of expression and democracy.
• Russia is further provoked by Finland and Sweden joining NATO which is undertaking aerial missions near the borders of these countries.
• The issues of Islamophobia, racism and double standards towards refugees coming from non-European countries also are impacting the identity and the brand equity of the EU. 

Way forward for India

• With the recent developments in Europe, it is important for India to have calibrated and strong bilateral relationships with individual countries rather than treating the EU as a block.

4. Afghanistan

Context

The Taliban’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada recently made a rare appearance.

Details

• The leader urged the world to stop telling them how to run Afghanistan and insisted that sharia law is the only model for a successful Islamic state.
• He further asked the rest of the world, especially the western countries to stop imposing their views on the rights of women, children, education and democracy in Afghanistan.
• Taliban is engaging with countries like China and Russia through backdoors to secure their interests.

Situation in Afghanistan

• The infrastructure is severely damaged in the country.
• The economy has fallen apart with people not being able to afford to eat with almost 40% of the population suffering from malnutrition.
• The leadership was not able to manage or provide the required assistance when the country was hit by an earthquake recently.
• The county is heavily dependent on remittances and humanitarian aid coming from other countries.

Read more about the latest developments in Afghanistan and their implications in IRTW Episode 72

Read more International Relations This Week articles in the link.

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