Emerging geopolitics of QUAD alliance: A fair assessment.

The QUAD alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan, and India, is seen as a coalition focused on limiting China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific. Despite claims of promoting peace and democratic values, the QUAD’s actions, such as military drills and strategic alliances, indicate a confrontational stance against China. With recent appointments of China-critical leaders in the US, this direction is likely to intensify, further affecting regions like the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Overview:

Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan argues that the QUAD’s current strategy, labeled by President Biden as a “permanent entity,” essentially continues Cold War-era strategies aimed at containing China. Despite statements emphasizing international norms and neutrality, the QUAD’s actions—particularly US support of Taiwan, India’s suppression of dissent within its borders, and Australia and Japan’s military engagements—reveal an agenda against China. The US also faces backlash for its support of Israel amidst human rights controversies, highlighting the perceived inconsistency in its global stance on democratic values.

Notes:

The QUAD alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, India, and Japan, is focused on countering China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region through joint military drills, arms support to Taiwan, and strategic positioning as defenders of international norms. Despite its advocacy for peace, the QUAD’s military maneuvers reveal a contrasting intent to contain China, challenging its neutrality claim. This discrepancy is compounded by internal contradictions, as India faces scrutiny over human rights issues in Jammu & Kashmir, and the US-China relationship remains fraught with economic sanctions and territorial disputes. The QUAD’s actions—while aimed at promoting freedom and a rules-based order—often appear interventionist, raising questions about its balanced approach to global stability.

Relevance to CSS Syllabus Topics:

• International Relations (especially regarding power dynamics and alliances)
• Geopolitical Tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
• US-China Relations.
• Regional Security Challenges.

Notes for Beginners:

The QUAD is a group of four nations—the US, Japan, Australia, and India—focused on maintaining stability and security in the Asia-Pacific. They are concerned about China’s growing influence and have formed this alliance to work together on military and strategic issues in the region.

Facts and Figures:

• QUAD’s recent summit hosted by President Biden.
• Increasing military presence, with joint coastguard operations planned.
• US criticism over its support of Israel’s Middle East policies.

To sum up, The QUAD alliance’s positioning as a peace-promoting coalition is complicated by its apparent anti-China stance, driven by strategic alliances and security initiatives. This dynamic challenges the international order, suggesting a shift back to bloc-based politics and raising concerns about escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific.

Difficult Words and Meanings: