Question

Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements that describe the features of the military alliances formed by the superpowers.

a) Member countries of the alliance are to provide bases in their respective lands for the superpowers.
b) Member countries to support the superpowers both in terms of ideology and military strategy.
c) When a nation attacks any member country, it is considered as an attack on all the member countries.
d) Superpowers assist all the member countries to develop their own nuclear weapons.

Answer 1

a) This statement is correct

Explanation

Alliances with smaller countries enabled the superpowers to mobilise troops and launch weapons against their adversaries. In this regard, we may cite the example of how Pakistan became a member of CENTO and SEATO, and was used as a base to counter Soviet threat.

b) This statement is correct

Explanation

It helped the superpowers to spread their ideological influence among the member countries. We may cite the example of how the Western alliance, which was headed by the US, represented the liberal capitalist ideology and how the Eastern alliance, led by the Soviet Union, represented the socialist and communist ideology.

c) This statement is correct

Explanation

Alliances were formed to enhance a state’s own capabilities against others. Alliances are formed on the notion of collective security, where an attack on one member country is considered as an attack on all the members of the alliance.

d) This statement is wrong.

Explanation

Both the blocs realised the gravity of the situation and rather practised restraint, in order to prevent the outbreak of another war, particularly nuclear war. Thus, they entered into a series of negotiations and treaties to prevent any misunderstanding and engaged in arms control. The NPT could be cited as an example where nuclear powers restricted other countries from acquiring nuclear arsenals.