CSS current affairs paper 2017

CSS Current Affairs Paper 2017

Paper II

Q. No. 2. Highlight the role of the National Action Plan (NAP) in the stabilization of the internal security of Pakistan. Critically analyze its outcomes. (20)

Q. No. 3. What measures do you suggest to improve the security conditions of Balochistan with respect to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the role of regional powers in sabotaging it? (20)

Q. No. 4. Critically analyze the US-Russia relations in the context of ISIS and its impact on the security situation in the Middle East. (20)

Q. No. 5. Explain the salient contours of the US’ rebalancing policy and China’s assertive policy in the South China Sea and the latter’s disputes with the regional countries. Critically evaluate. (20)

Q. No. 6. The impact of a burgeoning US-India strategic partnership on the security situation of the region and Indian Ocean Region. (20)

Q. No. 7. Critically examine China’s strategic vision behind its ‘One Belt, One Road’ venture. (20)

Q. No. 8. (a). Analyze the effects of the the commissioning of a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (20) (SSBN), INS Arihant equipped with a a nuclear-capable missile called K-4, over the strategic stability of South Asia. (10)

(b). US-India in August 2016 signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) that will reportedly facilitate the two allies to use each other’s military facilities to check China’s growing influence. Comment. (10)

Summary

Q. No. 2
Highlight the role of the National Action Plan (NAP) in the stabilization of the internal security of Pakistan. Critically analyze its outcomes.

The National Action Plan (NAP) was introduced in 2014 after the APS Peshawar tragedy to tackle terrorism and extremism in Pakistan. It consisted of 20 points aimed at improving internal security through measures such as eliminating militant outfits, regulating madrassas, controlling hate speech, and reforming the criminal justice system.

• Role in Stabilization:
  1. Curtailing Militancy: Military operations like Zarb-e-Azb dismantled major terrorist infrastructure in tribal areas.
  2. Judicial Reform: The establishment of military courts expedited trials of terrorists.
  3. Countering Extremism: Efforts to monitor madrassas and curb hate speech made incremental progress.
  4. Strengthening LEAs: Improved capabilities of law enforcement agencies contributed to better urban security.
• Critical Analysis of Outcomes:
  1. Successes: Decline in large-scale terrorist attacks, improved coordination between agencies.
  2. Failures: Insufficient progress in madrassa reforms, poor implementation of deradicalization programs, and a lack of focus on socio-economic factors fueling extremism.
  3. Political Challenges: Lack of provincial commitment and absence of an effective monitoring framework hindered full implementation.

While the NAP played a crucial role in reducing terrorism, its long-term effectiveness depends on addressing systemic flaws and sustaining momentum.

Q. No. 3
What measures do you suggest to improve the security conditions of Balochistan with respect to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the role of regional powers in sabotaging it?

• Measures for Improving Security:
  1. Enhanced Military Presence: Deployment of specialized forces, such as the CPEC Security Division, to protect key installations.
  2. Addressing Local Grievances: Ensure equitable distribution of CPEC benefits to win the trust of the Baloch population.
  3. Economic Inclusion: Employment opportunities for locals in CPEC projects to reduce insurgency motivations.
  4. Dialogue with Insurgents: Negotiating with moderate factions to reintegrate them into society.
  5. Border Management: Strengthen surveillance and fencing along the Iran-Afghanistan borders to prevent external militant infiltration.
• Role of Regional Powers:
  1. India: Alleged involvement in funding Baloch separatists to disrupt CPEC.
  2. Iran: Concerns over Gwadar competing with Chabahar port create indirect tensions.
  3. Afghanistan: Cross-border terrorism and instability affect Balochistan’s security.

Addressing both internal and external factors through multi-pronged strategies is critical for safeguarding Balochistan and ensuring CPEC’s success.

Q. No. 4
Critically analyze the US-Russia relations in the context of ISIS and its impact on the security situation in the Middle East.

• US-Russia Relations and ISIS:
  1. Contrasting Objectives: The US aimed to dismantle ISIS while supporting anti-Assad forces, whereas Russia backed Assad and targeted both ISIS and rebel factions.
  2. Conflicting Military Strategies: US airstrikes and Russian ground operations occasionally overlapped, creating tension.
  3. Proxy Dynamics: Russia’s alliance with Iran and the US partnership with Gulf states exacerbated regional rivalries.
• Impact on Middle East Security:
  1. Prolonged Conflicts: Divergent approaches delayed a unified response against ISIS.
  2. Power Vacuum: Continued instability in Syria and Iraq allowed extremist groups to adapt.
  3. Geopolitical Fragmentation: Increased influence of regional players like Turkey and Iran further complicated the situation.

While ISIS has been territorially defeated, the lack of US-Russia cooperation left lasting regional instability.

Q. No. 5
Explain the salient contours of the US’ rebalancing policy and China’s assertive policy in the South China Sea and the latter’s disputes with the regional countries. Critically evaluate.

• US Rebalancing Policy:
  1. Pivot to Asia: Strategic realignment to counter China’s growing influence in Asia.
  2. Military Presence: Strengthening alliances with Japan, South Korea, and Australia while increasing naval presence.
  3. Economic Partnerships: Promoting trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
• China’s Assertive Policy:
  1. Territorial Claims: China claims sovereignty over the South China Sea under its “Nine-Dash Line.”
  2. Island Militarization: Construction of artificial islands with military installations.
  3. Bilateral Negotiations: Prefers direct talks over multilateral dispute resolution.
• Regional Disputes:
  1. Philippines: Maritime clashes and legal disputes over sovereignty.
  2. Vietnam: Contentious drilling rights and fishing zones.
  3. Malaysia and Indonesia: Concerns over encroachment in exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

Critically, US-China tensions in the South China Sea risk destabilizing the region, emphasizing the need for multilateral frameworks like ASEAN for conflict resolution.

Q. No. 6
The impact of a burgeoning US-India strategic partnership on the security situation of the region and Indian Ocean Region.

• Impact on Regional Security:
  1. China Containment: Enhanced US-India ties aim to counter China’s influence, exacerbating Sino-Indian tensions.
  2. Strategic Imbalance: Accelerated arms acquisitions by India could trigger an arms race with Pakistan.
  3. Naval Dominance: Joint patrols and military exercises strengthen India’s position in the Indian Ocean, raising concerns for Pakistan and China.
• Indian Ocean Dynamics:
  1. Chokepoints Control: India’s partnership with the US bolsters its ability to monitor key maritime routes like the Strait of Malacca.
  2. Competition with CPEC: Countering Gwadar’s strategic significance to China in the Arabian Sea.

While the partnership strengthens India’s regional role, it risks increasing regional polarization and undermining stability.

Q. No. 7
Critically examine China’s strategic vision behind its ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) venture.

• Strategic Vision:
  1. Economic Integration: Linking Asia, Europe, and Africa through trade corridors to boost connectivity.
  2. Energy Security: Securing access to energy resources via alternate routes.
  3. Geopolitical Influence: Expanding China’s soft power and reducing dependency on US-led institutions.
• Challenges and Criticism:
  1. Debt Trap Diplomacy: Accusations of burdening partner countries with unsustainable debt.
  2. Geopolitical Resistance: Opposition from the US, India, and Japan fearing Chinese dominance.
  3. Implementation Risks: Complexities in executing projects across politically unstable regions.

OBOR exemplifies China’s ambition for global leadership but faces significant hurdles in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

Q. No. 8 (a)
Analyze the effects of commissioning a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arihant, equipped with a nuclear-capable missile (K-4), on the strategic stability of South Asia.

The INS Arihant introduces a credible second-strike capability for India, altering the nuclear balance in South Asia.

1. Deterrence Impact: Strengthens India’s nuclear triad and deters preemptive strikes.
2. Escalatory Risks: Increases Pakistan’s incentive to develop similar capabilities, heightening an arms race.
3. Strategic Ambiguity: The operationalization of sea-based deterrence complicates crisis stability.

Q. No. 8 (b)
US-India LEMOA and its implications for countering China’s influence.

LEMOA facilitates logistical support, enabling joint military operations.

1. Countering China: Enhances US-India cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to challenge Chinese assertiveness.
2. Regional Realignment: Strengthens India’s role as a key player in US-led security frameworks.
3. Geopolitical Ramifications: Risks further polarizing the region and undermining neutrality in Indian Ocean diplomacy.