Global Stability

While international security focuses primarily on preventing military conflict and protecting national borders, global stability encompasses a broader range of factors, including economic cooperation, adherence to international law, and managing global crises like climate change or pandemics. An MCQ trap is to assume that any measure promoting security automatically promotes global stability, when the latter requires a more holistic approach.

National sovereignty, the principle that each state has supreme authority within its borders, can clash with global stability when states prioritize their own interests over collective action. This manifests when countries resist international interventions to prevent human rights abuses, refuse to comply with international environmental agreements, or block efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully through international bodies. For example, a country might veto a UN Security Council resolution aimed at addressing a regional crisis, citing its sovereign right to non-interference.

While the UN Charter has provided a framework for peaceful dispute resolution and has facilitated numerous successful peacekeeping operations, it hasn't eliminated major power conflicts. The Cold War, for example, saw proxy wars and intense ideological rivalry despite the Charter's existence. The veto power of the permanent members of the Security Council can also paralyze action in cases involving major powers, limiting the Charter's effectiveness. The Russia-Ukraine war is a recent example where the UN's ability to enforce peace has been significantly challenged.

Economic interdependence, where countries rely on each other for trade, investment, and resources, can create a disincentive for conflict. Countries heavily invested in each other's economies are less likely to risk war. However, this interdependence can also be a source of vulnerability. Supply chain disruptions, trade wars, or economic sanctions can destabilize relations, as seen in the recent trade tensions between the US and China. Furthermore, economic inequality between nations can exacerbate tensions and undermine stability.

Climate change exacerbates existing tensions and creates new ones, acting as a 'threat multiplier.' For example, in the Sahel region of Africa, desertification and water scarcity, driven by climate change, have intensified competition for resources between different ethnic groups, leading to increased conflict and displacement. This instability can then spill over into neighboring countries, creating regional crises.

Beyond economic growth and strategic partnerships, India's contributions to global stability often overlooked include its commitment to multilateralism and its role as a provider of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. India actively participates in UN peacekeeping operations, provides training and capacity building to developing countries, and promotes peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. Its soft power, based on cultural influence and democratic values, also contributes to a more stable and peaceful world order.

Critics argue that the pursuit of global stability can sometimes prioritize the status quo and suppress legitimate demands for change, particularly from marginalized groups or developing countries. They argue that it can be used to justify interventions that serve the interests of powerful states, rather than promoting genuine peace and justice. In response, it's important to acknowledge that stability should not come at the expense of justice or human rights. Global stability efforts must be inclusive, address the root causes of conflict, and promote equitable development to be truly effective and legitimate.

India can strengthen global stability by advocating for reforms in international institutions like the UN Security Council to make them more representative and effective. It can also promote South-South cooperation to address development challenges and build resilience in developing countries. Furthermore, India can play a leading role in promoting sustainable development and combating climate change, which are critical for long-term global stability. Finally, it can continue to champion peaceful conflict resolution and dialogue, based on international law and mutual respect.

Students often confuse 'collective security' with 'balance of power' because both aim to prevent conflict. However, 'collective security' relies on all states collectively deterring aggression by *any* state, while 'balance of power' relies on rival alliances deterring each other. In an MCQ, remember that collective security is universal and preventative, while balance of power is competitive and reactive.

The UN's mechanisms to *prevent* state failure are limited but include: (1) preventative diplomacy through special envoys and mediation efforts; (2) providing technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen governance and institutions; and (3) deploying peacekeeping missions with mandates to support state authority and protect civilians. However, these mechanisms are often underfunded and face political obstacles, particularly when they involve intervening in a state's internal affairs.

• •Preventative diplomacy
• •Technical assistance and capacity building
• •Peacekeeping missions

The biggest challenge in enforcing international law is the lack of a global sovereign authority with the power to compel states to comply. Enforcement relies on voluntary compliance, diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and, in rare cases, military intervention authorized by the UN Security Council. This lack of consistent enforcement undermines the credibility and effectiveness of international law, leading to selective application and a weakening of the international legal order, which in turn destabilizes global affairs.

Several risks could derail India's ability to maintain global stability: (1) internal instability due to social unrest or economic inequality; (2) escalating regional conflicts with neighboring countries; (3) a slowdown in economic growth; and (4) a shift towards protectionist policies that undermine global trade. Any of these factors could weaken India's capacity to project influence and contribute to global peace and security.