HPAS Mains 2021/22 Answer Writing Challenge Day 34: 15-11-2021

HPAS Mains GS 2: International Relations

Question: Quad is transforming itself into a Economic bloc from military alliance, in present times. Discuss                                                                                                                             8 Marks

Introduction

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD, also known as the Quad or QUAD) is a strategic dialogue between the United States, India, Japan and Australia that is maintained by talks between member countries.The Quad was established, primarily as a strategic bloc, to counter China’s aggressive stance in the South China Sea.

However, Quad’s shared objective to support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region, could also form the basis of a economic relations and turn it into a major Economic bloc.

Body

Transformation of Quad into a Geo-Economic Bloc:

Intricate Interdependence:

• In present time, all nations of the world are somehow connected or intricately, interdependent over each other like trade dependency, collective responsibility of global commons, a military bloc reminiscent of the cold war era seems quite outdated.
• In this context, it can be said that Quad member countries envision themselves from a geo-economic grouping.

 Inclusive Indo-Pacific Region:

• Quad member countries agreed that a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region will serve the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large.

• Quad also envisages addressing the common challenges of terrorism and proliferation linkages impacting the region, as well as on enhancing connectivity.

 To Develop Regional infrastructure projects:

• China is rapidly growing in indo-pacific region and in order to counter china’s debt trap policy, Quad members should pay heed towards to develop the infrastructure of the region, invest in different projects and also assure the maritime security of littoral states and here trade and economic relations act as an important tool.

 To tackle Global Challenges:

• Global challenges like covid-19 pandemic has also made changes in the nature of QUAD, from military alliance to building cooperative trade relations, specially in health sector.
• Recently an initiative is taking place, Under which, it is envisaged that vaccines will be developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US, and supported by Australia
• In this context, the transformation of Quad into a trade bloc can help tackle future global challenges more effectively

  To counter China’s international trade ventures:

• In order to counter china’s international trade ventures and maintain transparency in all investments of the region in different projects, Blue dot network initiative is started.
• It is a multi-stakeholder initiative (led by the US along with Japan and Australia) to bring together governments, the private sector, and civil society to promote high-quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development.
• It could directly counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and debt trap policy.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind, all the facts it can be said that,Quad members need to gain prominence amid all littoral states by ensuring their economic interests and maritime security and need to expand its vision

If ever a Quad trade agreement were to become a reality, a reduction in trade costs would go a long way towards fulfilling the economic potential of the alliance. However, there is a need to put the military component and the economic component together. This will help Quad to emerge as a very strong alliance as without military muscle all other fields cannot be excelled.