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CSS Past Paper 2021 Current Affairs Descriptive (Part 2)

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CSS Past Paper 2021 Current Affairs Descriptive (Part 2)
CSS | Past Paper | Compulsory | 2021 | Part 2 | Descriptive

Below is the solution to PART-II (COMPULSORY) of the CSS Past Paper 2021 Current Affairs Descriptive (Part 2).

Question 2

What will be the strategic and political implications of the US withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty, and how is it impacting the arms control arrangements between the great powers?

Introduction

The Open Skies Treaty (OST) was signed in 1992 and became active in 2002. It allowed 35 member countries to conduct unarmed aerial surveillance flights over each other’s territories to promote transparency and reduce chances of conflicts. But in 2020, the United States, under President Donald Trump, officially withdrew from the treaty. This move has raised many strategic and political questions regarding global arms control and great power rivalry.

Strategic Implications
  1. Increased Mistrust among Major Powers
    The OST was helping in building trust between NATO allies, Russia, and other members. After the US exit, this trust has been shaken. Now, countries may assume the worst about others’ military activities because they can’t verify them directly.
  2. Weakening of Global Surveillance System
    The treaty provided a legal and peaceful way to monitor military activities. With the US out, this mutual check system is now weaker. The US will now rely more on satellite technology, but many smaller countries can’t afford that. So, it increases the gap between powerful and weaker states.
  3. Undermining Arms Control Framework
    OST was part of a bigger network of arms control treaties like INF and New START. US withdrawal gives a signal that arms control is not a priority anymore. This can lead to a new arms race, especially between the US, Russia, and China.
  4. Russia’s Reaction
    After the US left, Russia also suspended its participation in the treaty. This tit-for-tat response closed the door of transparency and increased tensions between East and West again, like during the Cold War.
  5. Pressure on European Security
    European countries like Germany and France depended on OST flights for their own security intelligence. Now, they are in a difficult position. They might have to invest more in independent surveillance, which is expensive and not easily available.
Political Implications
  1. Decline of US Global Leadership
    US withdrawal shows that America is becoming more isolationist. This harms its image as a global leader for peace and stability. Many allies now question America’s long-term commitments.
  2. Encouragement to Other Exits
    When a big power like the US exits a treaty, others may feel encouraged to do the same. This creates a domino effect which can destroy global agreements.
  3. Rise in Geo-Political Tensions
    Without OST, there is more space for misunderstandings and false alarms. If one country increases its military presence near another, the other may react strongly without knowing the real reason, and that can create conflict.
  4. Impact on Future Negotiations
    Trust is key in diplomacy. By leaving the treaty, the US lost some of that trust with other nations, especially Russia and its allies. This will make future arms control talks more difficult.
Conclusion

In short, the US withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty has increased global tensions, weakened transparency in military affairs, and threatened the future of arms control among great powers. While the US may have had reasons like Russia’s non-compliance, the exit has done more harm than good. To ensure peace and avoid a new arms race, world powers must find new ways to rebuild trust and cooperate on arms control in the future.

Question 3

What are the similarities and differences between Nagorno-Kaharabakh and Kashmir conflicts?

Introduction

Nagorno-Karabakh and Kashmir are two of the most sensitive and long-running territorial conflicts in the world. Nagorno-Karabakh is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, while Kashmir is mainly between Pakistan and India. Both have seen wars, violence, and international attention, but the causes, history, and current situations have some clear differences too.

Similarities Between Nagorno-Karabakh and Kashmir
  1. Rooted in Partition or Collapse of Empires
    • Kashmir conflict started after the partition of British India in 1947.
    • Nagorno-Karabakh issue emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
      Both conflicts began when big empires broke down and new borders were drawn.
  2. Ethnic and Religious Tensions
    • In Kashmir, the population is Muslim-majority, but India is Hindu-majority.
    • In Nagorno-Karabakh, the region has an Armenian Christian majority, but it lies within Muslim-majority Azerbaijan.
      So, religion and ethnicity play major roles in both.
  3. Military Clashes and Wars
    • Both regions have seen wars (India-Pakistan wars over Kashmir, and Armenia-Azerbaijan wars in 1990s and 2020).
    • Ceasefires were broken multiple times, causing deaths and destruction.
  4. Disputed Areas Claimed by Two Countries
    • Kashmir is claimed fully by both Pakistan and India.
    • Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but it’s controlled by ethnic Armenians (till recently).
      So, both are areas where control and claim don’t match.
  5. Involvement of External Powers
    • In Kashmir, countries like China and the US have shown concern.
    • In Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia and Turkey are involved.
      These outside actors make the conflicts more complex.
Differences Between Nagorno-Karabakh and Kashmir
  1. International Recognition
    • Kashmir is a UN-recognized disputed territory.
    • Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized as part of Azerbaijan, even by Armenia. So, only one side sees it as disputed.
  2. Current Control and Governance
    • Kashmir is divided: one part with India (Jammu & Kashmir), one with Pakistan (Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan).
    • Nagorno-Karabakh was controlled by Armenian forces, but after 2020 war, Azerbaijan regained most of it.
  3. Level of Autonomy
    • Indian-administered Kashmir had Article 370 giving special autonomy until it was removed in 2019.
    • Nagorno-Karabakh declared itself as a republic (unrecognized) and had its own government.
  4. International Mediation
    • Kashmir talks often involve the UN and sometimes the US.
    • Nagorno-Karabakh had the OSCE Minsk Group (France, Russia, US) as mediator.
  5. Recent Developments
    • Kashmir saw a legal change in 2019 (revocation of Article 370), increasing Indian control.
    • In 2020, Azerbaijan won militarily and took back big parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. The power shifted fast.
Conclusion

While Nagorno-Karabakh and Kashmir share many common features like ethnic conflict, violence, and being flashpoints in their regions, their background, international recognition, and current status are different. Both need peaceful solutions through diplomacy, respect for human rights, and regional cooperation. Without proper talks, both can lead to bigger wars involving other countries too.

Question 4

Last two decades have seen the rise of the right as a potent challenge to the liberal democracies throughout the world. What are the causes of this rise and how can states attend to this challenge?

Introduction

In the last 20 years, many countries have seen the rise of right-wing political parties and leaders. These right-wing groups challenge the ideas of liberal democracy like globalization, immigration, multiculturalism, and free media. From Donald Trump in the US to Narendra Modi in India and parties in Europe, the right has gained power. This trend is becoming a serious challenge for liberal democratic values.

Causes of the Rise of the Right
  1. Economic Inequality
    • After globalization, the rich became richer, but many working-class people felt left behind.
    • People blame liberal governments for unemployment, job loss, and inflation.
    • Right-wing parties use this anger to gain public support.
  2. Immigration and Identity Crisis
    • Many western countries saw a huge increase in immigration, especially from Muslim countries.
    • Local populations fear loss of their culture and jobs.
    • Right-wing leaders promise to “protect national identity” and stop immigration.
  3. Failure of Liberal Elites
    • Liberal democratic governments are seen as corrupt and disconnected from common people.
    • Right-wing politicians present themselves as outsiders who will “fix the system.”
  4. Terrorism and Security Fears
    • After events like 9/11 and attacks in Europe, people fear terrorism.
    • Right-wing groups link these fears to religion or immigrants and demand strict laws.
  5. Social Media and Fake News
    • Platforms like Facebook and Twitter help spread right-wing messages fast.
    • Many people believe conspiracy theories and fake news shared online.
    • Right-wing groups use emotional language and nationalism to win hearts.
  6. Crisis of Refugees and Wars
    • Wars in Syria, Afghanistan, and Africa caused refugee waves into Europe.
    • Many citizens think refugees are a burden, leading to anger against liberal asylum policies.
Challenges Posed by the Right to Liberal Democracy
  1. Attack on Free Media and Judiciary
    • Right-wing leaders often call the media “fake news” and attack judges who go against them.
  2. Reduction in Civil Liberties
    • They bring laws to limit protests, freedom of speech, and NGO activities.
  3. Division in Society
    • Their speeches increase hate against minorities and create divisions between communities.
  4. Undermining Democratic Institutions
    • They try to control election commissions, police, and other institutions for their benefit.
How States Can Attend to This Challenge?
  1. Economic Reforms
    • Governments must focus on reducing poverty, joblessness, and economic gaps between rich and poor.
  2. Fair Immigration Policies
    • Immigration needs to be managed properly, with integration programs to build harmony.
  3. Support for Media and Education
    • Free press should be protected.
    • People should be educated to understand fake news and hate speech.
  4. Political Reforms
    • Democratic institutions should be made strong and independent to stop misuse of power.
  5. Dialogue and Inclusion
    • Governments must talk to angry groups and solve their problems, not ignore them.
    • Youth and minorities must be included in policymaking.
Conclusion

The rise of the right is not just a political trend, but a serious threat to liberal democracy. If the root causes like inequality, fear, and lack of trust in institutions are not solved, this rise will continue. States must act fast and smart to protect democracy, unity, and human rights.

Question 5

Most of the major political parties have committed to the creation of the new provinces in Pakistan. Should new provinces be created or not, in Pakistan? Elaborate your answer by giving references from the new provinces debate.

Introduction

Pakistan is a federation with four provinces – Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Over the years, many political parties and leaders have talked about creating new provinces to improve governance, end injustice, and give rights to ignored regions. But this is still a sensitive topic. Some people support it while others say it will divide the country more.

Arguments in Favor of Creating New Provinces
  1. Better Governance
    • Smaller provinces are easier to manage.
    • Services like health, education, and policing can be improved if administration is closer to the people.
  2. End of Sense of Deprivation
    • People from South Punjab, Hazara, and other areas feel ignored in resource allocation.
    • New provinces can give them more control over their development and decisions.
  3. More Political Representation
    • When provinces are too large (like Punjab), some areas feel politically powerless.
    • New provinces can make the political system fairer and more balanced.
  4. Economic Development
    • Resources can be managed better.
    • Backward areas like South Punjab and Southern Balochistan can grow faster under separate administrations.
  5. Successful Examples in Other Countries
    • In India, new states like Telangana were created to solve similar problems.
    • Pakistan can also do it with planning and consensus.
Arguments Against Creating New Provinces
  1. Risk of Ethnic Division
    • Some fear that new provinces may be based on ethnic or linguistic lines, which can increase hate and division.
  2. High Financial Cost
    • New provinces need new buildings, assemblies, staff, etc.
    • In a weak economy like Pakistan’s, this is a huge burden.
  3. Political Conflict
    • Political parties may use this issue for votes, which increases tension.
    • Consensus is hard to achieve in the parliament.
  4. Constitutional Difficulties
    • Article 239(4) of the Constitution says a two-thirds majority is needed in both the National Assembly and the relevant Provincial Assembly.
    • This makes the process very difficult.
Debate on New Provinces in Pakistan
  • South Punjab
    • The most discussed proposal.
    • PTI promised to create a South Punjab province, and even opened a secretariat in Bahawalpur and Multan.
    • PML-N and PPP also supported it in the past.
  • Hazara Province
    • After Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was renamed from NWFP, people in Hazara protested.
    • Many still demand a separate province for cultural and language reasons.
  • Bahawalpur Province
    • Some leaders from Bahawalpur want to restore the old princely state as a separate province.
  • FATA and PATA
    • These areas have been merged with KPK, but people still demand separate treatment due to their unique background.
Way Forward
  • Provinces should be created based on administrative needs, not ethnic reasons.
  • A national debate with all political parties, experts, and provinces is needed.
  • A commission should study the pros and cons and present a fair solution.
  • Local governments should also be empowered to reduce the pressure on provinces.
Conclusion

Creating new provinces in Pakistan can solve many problems like poor governance and regional imbalance. But it must be done wisely, not emotionally or for political gains. With proper planning, dialogue, and constitutional steps, Pakistan can move forward with unity and justice for all regions.

Question 6

Some scholars term Afghan Peace Deal as the US Withdrawal Deal. Do you agree? Answer the question while discussing the contours of the Afghan peace process.

Introduction

The Afghan Peace Deal signed in February 2020 between the United States and the Taliban was seen as a major step towards ending the 20-year-long war in Afghanistan. However, many experts and scholars have criticized it, saying it was more about giving the US an excuse to withdraw safely, rather than ensuring long-term peace in Afghanistan. So, yes, it can be called more of a “US Withdrawal Deal” than a true peace agreement.

Main Contours of the Afghan Peace Process
  1. Doha Agreement (Feb 2020)
    • Signed between US and Taliban.
    • US agreed to withdraw all troops by May 2021 (later extended to August).
    • Taliban promised not to allow Afghan soil for terrorism against US.
    • Prisoner exchange (5000 Taliban prisoners vs 1000 Afghan soldiers).
    • Intra-Afghan talks were to follow, but faced many delays.
  2. Intra-Afghan Dialogue
    • It was supposed to include the Taliban and Afghan government.
    • Talks were weak and failed to reach any political roadmap.
    • Taliban didn’t accept Afghan government as legitimate.
  3. No Ceasefire Guarantee
    • Taliban continued attacks on Afghan forces and civilians.
    • US did not push hard for a complete ceasefire in the deal.
  4. Exclusion of Regional Stakeholders
    • Countries like Iran, China, Russia, and even Pakistan had limited roles.
    • Without regional guarantees, peace was always at risk.
Why It Is Called a US Withdrawal Deal?
  1. Focus Was on US Exit, Not Peace
    • The main goal was to end America’s longest war, not to create lasting peace.
    • No proper mechanism was made to stop violence or protect civilians.
  2. Weak Conditions for Taliban
    • Taliban got major benefits: global recognition, release of prisoners, and US withdrawal.
    • In return, they gave vague promises, which were not followed.
  3. Collapse of Afghan Government
    • After US troops left in August 2021, Taliban took over within days.
    • Afghan forces and institutions collapsed without real resistance.
    • This shows that the deal did not prepare Afghanistan for peace.
  4. No Guarantee of Human Rights or Democracy
    • Women’s rights, education, freedom of speech – all were left out.
    • The agreement didn’t protect the democratic progress made in 20 years.
Impact of the Deal
  • Fall of Kabul: Taliban took over in August 2021 without much fight.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: Millions displaced, economy collapsed.
  • Security Threats: ISIS-K and other terror groups became active again.
  • Regional Instability: Pakistan, Iran, Central Asia, and even China now faces spillover effects.
Conclusion

The Afghan Peace Deal was mainly aimed at helping the US exit a costly and unpopular war. It lacked proper structure, ignored key Afghan voices, and gave too much to the Taliban without strong conditions. So, yes, it is fair to say that it was more of a US Withdrawal Deal than a real peace process. The failure of the deal has left Afghanistan in chaos and raised serious questions on how future peace processes should be handled.

Question 7

How is militarization of Artificial Intelligence and Computing revolutionizing the military affairs?

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced computing are changing the way wars are planned and fought. Militaries around the world—especially in the US, China, and Russia—are investing in AI to make their forces smarter, faster, and more deadly. This shift is not just about weapons, but about new strategies, tactics, and even the future of global power. The militarization of AI is clearly revolutionizing military affairs.

How AI and Computing Are Revolutionizing Military Affairs?
  1. Autonomous Weapons Systems
    • AI is being used to develop drones, robots, and other machines that can attack targets without human help.
    • These systems can work faster than human reaction time, making warfare more efficient—but also more dangerous.
  2. Smart Surveillance and Reconnaissance
    • AI-powered satellites and drones can collect and analyze huge amounts of data quickly.
    • This helps armies track enemies, predict attacks, and plan missions with higher accuracy.
  3. Cyber Warfare and Defense
    • AI tools are used to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber-attacks in real-time.
    • Military networks can now fight back using automated defense systems.
  4. Decision-Making and Command Systems
    • AI supports commanders by analyzing battlefield data and suggesting the best strategies.
    • This can reduce human error and speed up decisions in complex situations.
  5. Training and Simulations
    • Virtual Reality (VR) and AI-driven war games are now used to train soldiers in realistic environments.
    • These tools prepare them for different combat scenarios without real danger.
  6. Predictive Maintenance
    • AI can monitor military vehicles, aircraft, and weapons to predict failures before they happen.
    • This saves time, money, and avoids accidents during missions.
  7. Information Warfare
    • AI is used to create fake news, deepfakes, and social media manipulation to confuse or demoralize enemy forces and citizens.
Leading Countries in AI Militarization
  • United States: Pentagon has created the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) to modernize military operations.
  • China: Investing heavily in AI under the “civil-military fusion” policy to challenge US dominance.
  • Russia: Focused on autonomous tanks, drones, and AI-based command systems.
Concerns and Challenges
  1. Ethical Issues
    • Who is responsible if an AI system kills innocent people?
    • There is fear that machines will make life-or-death decisions without moral thinking.
  2. AI Arms Race
    • Competition between countries to build AI weapons can become dangerous.
    • Like nuclear weapons, AI can lead to global instability.
  3. Risk of Hacking and Misuse
    • AI systems can be hacked and used by terrorists or rogue states.
    • This can cause massive destruction without warning.
  4. Lack of International Laws
    • There is no global agreement on AI weapons like we have for nuclear or chemical arms.
Conclusion

Militarization of Artificial Intelligence and computing is the future of warfare. It is already changing how countries fight, defend, and prepare for war. While it brings speed and smart power, it also brings big risks. The world needs strong rules and responsible use of AI to avoid disasters. Without proper control, AI in warfare might do more harm than good.

Question 8

Delineate the ways in which Covid-19 has affected the contours of the contemporary world order.

Introduction

Covid-19 was not just a health crisis—it changed how the world works. It impacted politics, economies, global leadership, and international relations. The pandemic exposed the weaknesses of powerful countries and shook the structure of the world order. Now, the world is still recovering, but nothing is the same as before.

Shift in Global Power Balance
  • China’s Rising Image
    • China managed the pandemic early and even exported medical aid.
    • It showed strong state control and increased its influence in Asia and Africa.
  • US Global Leadership Declined
    • The US struggled with Covid-19 in the beginning.
    • Poor handling, political division, and high deaths damaged its global image.
Nationalism vs Globalism
  • Countries started looking inward.
    • Travel bans, vaccine hoarding, and closing borders became common.
    • This weakened the idea of global cooperation.
  • Organizations like WHO were blamed and criticized.
    • Trust in international institutions went down.
Economic Restructuring
  • Global Recession
    • Almost every country faced economic slowdown.
    • Jobs were lost, businesses closed, and poverty increased.
  • Supply Chain Crisis
    • Global trade and transport were badly hit.
    • Countries started talking about local production (self-reliance).
  • Digital Economy Rise
    • Online businesses, e-learning, and remote jobs became normal.
    • Tech companies grew faster than ever.
Rise of Health Diplomacy
  • Countries started using vaccines as a tool of influence.
    • China and Russia gave free vaccines to poor nations.
    • Western countries like the US and UK donated later under pressure.
  • This started a new type of soft power—”vaccine diplomacy”.
Weakening of Liberal Democracies
  • Some democratic countries failed to handle the crisis properly.
    • Protests, anti-mask movements, and political fights made the situation worse.
  • In contrast, some authoritarian regimes showed better results in managing the virus.
    • This gave people a chance to question the effectiveness of democracy.
Global Inequality Increased
  • Rich countries vaccinated fast, but poor countries were left behind.
    • Even today, many developing countries struggle with healthcare and vaccines.
  • This deepened the gap between Global North and South.
Increased Strategic Rivalries
  • US-China tensions increased, especially with blame over virus origins.
  • India-China border clash (Galwan) also happened during this time.
  • World politics became more aggressive during and after the pandemic.
Focus on Human Security
  • Covid-19 taught that non-traditional threats like viruses, climate change, and cyberattacks are just as dangerous as wars.
  • Countries started rethinking their security policies to include public health.
Conclusion

Covid-19 changed the world order in many ways. It exposed the weakness of old systems and started new trends like nationalism, digital dependency, and vaccine diplomacy. While some powers gained influence, others lost it. The post-Covid world will be shaped by how countries adapt to these changes and whether they choose cooperation or competition.

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