General Studies 2021 GS Paper II 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Discuss

Q20

The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत-प्रशांत महासागर क्षेत्र में चीन की महत्वाकांक्षाओं का मुकाबला करना नई त्रि-राष्ट्र साझेदारी AUKUS का उद्देश्य है। क्या यह इस क्षेत्र में मौजूदा साझेदारी का स्थान लेने जा रहा है? वर्तमान परिदृश्य में, AUKUS की शक्ति और प्रभाव की विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2021 General Studies questions

Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced examination of whether AUKUS supersedes existing partnerships alongside analysis of its strengths and impacts. Structure should begin with a brief introduction defining AUKUS, followed by a comparative analysis with existing arrangements (Quad, ASEAN-led mechanisms, bilateral alliances), then assessment of strengths and regional impact, and conclude with a nuanced verdict on complementarity versus substitution.

Key points expected

  • Clear definition of AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) and its three pillars: nuclear-powered submarines, advanced capabilities, and deeper information sharing
  • Comparative analysis with existing partnerships—Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US), Five Eyes, bilateral alliances (US-Japan, US-ROK), and ASEAN-centric mechanisms
  • Assessment of AUKUS strengths: nuclear propulsion technology transfer, Anglosphere synergy, technological edge in cyber/AI/quantum domains
  • Impact analysis—regional security dilemma, ASEAN concerns about marginalization, India's strategic calculations, and China's counter-responses
  • Balanced conclusion on whether AUKUS complements or supersedes existing arrangements, with India's perspective

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Demand-directive understanding20%3Addresses both limbs of the question—superseding existing partnerships (comparative dimension) AND strength/impact analysis—with equal weightage; recognizes 'discuss' requires multi-perspective examination rather than one-sided advocacyCovers both parts but unevenly weighted; treats the question as primarily about AUKUS features with superficial treatment of existing partnershipsMisses one limb entirely or conflates both; treats as purely descriptive without analytical comparison
Content depth & accuracy20%3Accurately distinguishes AUKUS from Quad (security vs. comprehensive partnership), explains nuclear submarine technology transfer significance (SSN vs. SSK), references 2021 announcement and 2023-24 progress; correctly identifies regional actors' positionsBasic factual accuracy on AUKUS members and general purpose; confuses with Quad or makes minor errors on technology aspectsMajor factual errors—wrong member countries, incorrect dates, fundamental misunderstanding of nuclear sharing provisions
Structure & flow20%3Logical progression: intro → existing partnerships landscape → AUKUS comparative positioning → strengths analysis → impact assessment → balanced conclusion; smooth transitions between sectionsRecognizable structure but uneven sections; either too long on background or rushed conclusion; some abrupt transitionsDisorganized or haphazard arrangement; no clear separation between analysis of superseding question and strength/impact discussion
Examples / case-law / data20%3Specific references: 2023 AUKUS optimal pathway announcement, Australia's $368 billion submarine investment, Indonesia/Malaysia concerns (2021-22 statements), India's calibrated neutrality, Japan's 2023 consideration of AUKUS-like arrangement, ASEAN Outlook on Indo-PacificGeneral references to regional countries' concerns without specifics; mentions Quad summits without dates or outcomesNo concrete examples or data; vague references like 'some countries are worried' without naming any
Conclusion & analytical edge20%3Nuanced judgment that AUKUS complements rather than supersedes (different membership, scope, and purpose); addresses India's strategic interest in maintaining Quad autonomy; recognizes AUKUS as filling a capability gap while creating new dilemmas for non-proliferation normsSafe conclusion that AUKUS is 'important but not replacing' others without explaining why; generic statement about need for cooperationAbsolute verdict (fully supersedes or completely irrelevant) without qualification; or no conclusion; or purely descriptive ending

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →

More from General Studies 2021 GS Paper II