THE HINDU Editorial Vocabulary- December 21, 2017- Topic 2

Wait and watch: on U.S. security strategy

India has unequivocally welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of the National Security Strategy (NSS) for his country during his tenure. To be sure, the positive words used in the international section of the 55-page strategy paper represent an affirmation of India’s stature, and acknowledge “India’s emergence as a leading global power”. 

It mentions plans to “encourage Indian economic assistance in the region”, and outlines U.S. support to India’s “leadership role in Indian Ocean security and throughout the broader region” as a priority. Mr. Trump’s views of China’s assault on the “sovereignty” of South Asian nations and of Pakistan’s continued support to terror groups are closely aligned with India’s concerns in the neighbourhood. It is significant that the U.S. has highlighted them. In its response, New Delhi has “appreciated the strategic importance” given to India as well as the common objectives that India and the U.S. now share. Predictably, the five countries singled out by the U.S. for criticism have not been as warm in their response. China has accused the U.S. of pursuing what it calls a “cold war mentality and the zero-sum game”. Russia has said that the strategy reeks of “imperialism” as the NSS accuses China and Russia of using their military might to deny America access to what it calls “critical commercial zones”. Pakistan, Iran and North Korea have also been dismissive.

India must be mindful, therefore, that in welcoming the U.S.’s categorisations of its security threats, it doesn’t unthinkingly get swept into an American clinch. To begin with, the U.S. articulation of its perceived challenges has swung wildly over the past year of the Trump administration. It would be wise to await a stabilisation in Mr. Trump’s policies, or at least concrete action to back its words. For example, while the U.S. has talked of countering China’s influence in South Asia, it has not backed this with actual financial assistance for infrastructure critical to the region. Equally, while Mr. Trump’s words on Pakistan and terrorism are sharp, the U.S. has yet to show its hand, either in terms of military action or withholding of coalition support funds. While the U.S. strategy deals with global concerns, the past year has seen American withdrawal from pacts ranging from the Trans-Pacific Partnership to the Paris agreement on climate change. A tough U.S. security strategy can only be realised through cogent policymaking — whether it is on Israel-Palestine, North Korea, Iran or Afghanistan, Mr. Trump has been publicly at odds with his key advisers. A watch-and-wait stance is still India’s best option to preserve the autonomous and pluralistic nature of its engagement in areas where the U.S. faces its greatest challenges.

Vocabulary

Unequivocal: leaving no doubt.

Example: An unequivocal answer

Synonyms: unambiguous, unmistakable, indisputable, incontrovertible, indubitable

Affirmation: the action or process of affirming something or being affirmed.

Example: He nodded in affirmation

Synonyms: declaration, statement, assertion, proclamation, pronouncement

Stature: a person's natural height.

Example: A man of short stature

Synonyms: height, tallness, size, build

Acknowledge: accept or admit the existence or truth of.

Example: The plight of the refugees was acknowledged by the authorities

Synonyms: admit, accept, grant, allow, concede, confess, own, recognize

Assault: a physical attack.

Example: His imprisonment for an assault on the film director

Synonyms: battery, violence, sexual assault, rape

Predictable: able to be predicted.

Example: The market is volatile and never predictable

Synonyms: foreseeable, (only) to be expected, anticipated, foreseen

Reek: smell strongly and unpleasantly.

Example: The yard reeked of wet straw and stale horse manure

Synonyms: stink, smell, smell bad, stink to high heaven

Clinch: confirm or settle a contract or bargain.

Example: To clinch a business deal

Synonyms: secure, settle, conclude, close, pull off, bring off, complete, confirm

Cogent: clear, logical, and convincing.

Example: Given the scope of Internet use by the general public, this is no longer a relevant or cogent argument.

Synonyms: convincing, compelling, strong, forceful, powerful, potent

Preserve: maintain something in its original or existing state.

Example: All records of the past were zealously preserved

Synonyms: conserve, protect, maintain, care for, look after

Autonomous: having self-government, at least to a significant degree.

Example: The federation included sixteen autonomous republics

Pluralistic: relating to a system of thought that recognizes more than one ultimate principle.

Example: The society is committed to a pluralistic approach to philosophy