Reflections on Geopolitical Challenges: A Tale of Two Approaches

 The global geopolitical landscape has been shaped by historical events and conflicts, some of which continue to reverberate through the corridors of power. Two regions that starkly highlight contrasting responses to prolonged hostilities are Israel and India. Both nations have faced existential threats and hostile neighbors, yet their strategies and outcomes provide intriguing lessons for the world.

The Creation of Israel: A Historical Perspective

The establishment of Israel in the aftermath of World War II stands as one of the most significant geopolitical decisions of the 20th century. Following the Holocaust, where millions of Jews faced unimaginable atrocities under the Nazi regime, the world, led by the NATO powers, sought to provide a homeland for the Jewish people. Israel was carved out of what was then a British colony, in a region with a predominantly Muslim Arab population. This decision sowed the seeds of conflict, as Israel’s emergence disrupted the existing demographics and political dynamics.

Since its inception, Israel has been at the center of wars and conflicts, often facing attacks from its Arab neighbors. The Yom Kippur War of the 1970s exemplified the challenges of a nascent nation surrounded by hostility. Supported by the West with advanced weaponry and military aid, Israel emerged victorious. Over the decades, however, its retaliatory actions against perceived threats have drawn widespread criticism for crossing humanitarian boundaries. Recent events in Gaza and Syria further fuel debates on whether Israel’s actions have overstepped the moral high ground it once sought to occupy.

India’s Approach: A Contrast in Strategy

India, since its independence in 1947, has faced its own share of challenges with hostile neighbors like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Terrorism, insurgency, and territorial disputes, particularly in Kashmir, have tested India’s resilience. Despite numerous provocations, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India’s response has often been measured, grounded in its commitment to democratic values and humanitarian principles.

The Indian government’s approach to Kashmir exemplifies its efforts to address internal unrest without resorting to widespread violence against civilians. While there have been criticisms of policy decisions, India’s restraint and focus on treating Kashmiris as citizens rather than adversaries stand in stark contrast to the methods adopted by Israel in dealing with Gaza.

Double Standards of the West

Despite these well-documented realities, a glaring hypocrisy exists in how the West, particularly the United States, perceives and critiques these two nations. While the US and its allies have often turned a blind eye to Israel’s actions, even when they closely mirror the atrocities of the past, they simultaneously cast aspersions on India, criticizing its democracy and alleged suppression of minorities.

The West's narrative often portrays India as a nation where freedom of speech is stifled, democracy is under threat, and minorities are oppressed. However, these accusations ring hollow when juxtaposed with their silence over Israel's treatment of Palestinians—a situation that has drawn parallels with the horrific actions of the Nazis against the Jews during World War II. This selective moral outrage underscores the self-serving nature of Western policies.

The West’s Unwillingness to Accept India’s Rise

At the core of this bias lies an uncomfortable truth: the West, particularly former colonial powers, struggles to accept India’s ascent on the global stage. Once a colony, India is now a nation that calls the shots, questions its former colonizers, and asserts its sovereignty. This assertion of power is a bitter pill for the West, which still harbors a misplaced sense of superiority rooted in its colonial past.

The Way Forward

The West’s approach to global geopolitics—marked by double standards and selective accountability—is not only flawed but also deeply disrespectful to the principles of humanity and fairness. While they celebrate their own narratives of democracy and freedom, they fail to acknowledge the same values flourishing in nations like India.

As global power dynamics shift, it is imperative for the West to shed its colonial hangover and recognize the pluralistic and democratic values thriving in countries like India. The hypocrisy of selectively applying moral and democratic principles must end if a truly equitable and just global order is to be established. Only by embracing humility and fairness can the West contribute meaningfully to a world where coexistence triumphs over conflict.