UPSC Mains 2015 · GS IV · Q7 · 10 marks · 150 words

At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples.

हिन्दी में

अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर, अधिकांश राष्ट्रों के बीच द्विपक्षीय संबंध, अन्य राष्ट्रों के हितों का सम्मान किए बिना स्वयं के राष्ट्रीय हित की प्रोन्नति करने की नीति के द्वारा नियंत्रित होते हैं। इससे राष्ट्रों के बीच द्वंद्व और तनाव उत्पन्न होते हैं। ऐसे तनावों के समाधान में नैतिक विचार किस प्रकार सहायक हो सकते हैं? विशिष्ट उदाहरणों के साथ चर्चा कीजिए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest." Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict?”

Aayushi BansalAIR 7 · CSE 2024 · 95 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Today's globalised world requires pursuit of liberation based ethics in international relations over real politik.

Ethical principles → enlightened national interest

Body · points and prose

  1. Absolute interests over relative interests. Eg → developing countries pursuing climate conservation despite not causing climate change.

  2. World peace based on democracy, trade & international laws Eg → UNCLOS

  3. Altruistic motives also taken account Eg → India helping Sri Lanka. for.

  4. Increased cooperation & collaboration.

Diagram
Efficacy of enlightened national interest |-- effective |-- 1 Upholds peace, important for both world & own interest. |-- 2 Increased collaboration leads to better prosperity for all (common good) |-- 3 Saving planet saves most vulnerable within nation. |-- not-effective |-- 1 War might be necessary for territorial sovereignty |-- 2 May not have resources |-- 3 Other nations may force to abandon principles Eg → China in South China Sea.

Close

Conflict → enlightened national interest can help to uphold interest of both nation & world ensuring common welfare.

One must be guided by 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam'.

2 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper IV, Q7. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.