The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 24th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

The reality of the changing dimensions of warfare

Why in News?

India needs to pay close attention to advances in military technology and tactics, not just weapons.

Introduction

Machiavelli's View on Politics

• Machiavelli believed that politics is all about the harsh reality of power and survival.
• He thought that people are driven by self-interest and the need to stay in power.

Changing Times

• Today, the old rules of international politics are fading away.
• The ways to gain dominance are changing deeply.
• Events like the Peace of Westphalia and the Congress of Vienna, which were important in shaping the idea of the nation-state, are less relevant now.
• Modern weapons have become the most crucial tool in global power politics.

Illusion of Peace After World War II and the Rise of New Conflicts

80 Years Since World War II

• The year 2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War II, a time often seen as relatively peaceful.
• While there were many smaller wars during this period, none matched the scale or destruction of World War II.

U.S. Victory and the Illusion of Peace

• The U.S. victory in WWII, particularly through the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, symbolised the start of a peaceful era.
• Ideas like a "rules-based international order" gained popularity after the war.

Ongoing Conflicts and Global Uncertainty

• However, this was more of an illusion than actual peace.
• Smaller wars in Korea, Vietnam, North Africa, and parts of Europe continued to erupt, showing that peace was never fully achieved, only managed.
• British diplomats' advice to verify information highlighted global uncertainty and mistrust.

Shift in Perspectives in the 1990s

• By the 1990s, there was a growing skepticism about the old beliefs regarding peace and global order.
• The end of the Cold War was seen less as a peaceful resolution and more as the beginning of new types of conflicts.

Emergence of New Conflicts

• New conflicts started to surface, challenging the notion that the world had moved beyond war.
• It became evident that the world was entering a new phase of warfare, even if many were reluctant to acknowledge it.

The Impact of 9/11

Shifting Perspectives on Global Politics

• Some experts argue that the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of a new era in global politics, while others point to the September 11 attacks in 2001 as the true starting point for a shifted world order.

The Role of 9/11

• The 9/11 attacks did signify a change in global conflict dynamics, but they were not the sole turning point.
• The attacks provided the U.S. and its allies with a rationale for military interventions based on their own moral and political standards.

Understanding the Transformation

• To grasp the ongoing transformation in warfare, it is essential to reflect on the Gulf War in 1991 and Operation Desert Storm.
• This conflict was notable for its unprecedented speed and tactical innovation, combining operational, tactical, and strategic elements in ways not seen in previous wars.
• Operation Desert Storm showcased the effectiveness of three-dimensional strikes against a chosen enemy, a concept that military experts are only now beginning to appreciate for its impact on future warfare.

Ukraine, West Asia, and Operation Sindoor

India Needs to Adapt

India is entering a new era of technological warfare, and it must quickly adapt to keep up with the rapidly changing defense environment.

• This shift raises questions about India’s current military modernization plans, suggesting that many existing weapon tenders may be outdated and need to be revised.
• A full revision and upgrade of India’s defense strategy may be necessary, along with a rethinking of future defense procurement plans.

Comparison with China

• China has developed and deployed a large number of indigenous defense platforms, such as the J-10, J-20, and fifth-generation fighters.
• China is also on the verge of producing a sixth-generation fighter jet.

India’s Current Situation

• India, on the other hand, relies heavily on Rafale fighter jets from France and has limited local production capabilities.
• Indigenous missile and aircraft projects in India are behind schedule, further highlighting the need for a strategic overhaul.

Conclusion

With the rise of high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being crucial for modern warfare, India must rethink its defense modernization plans.

• Diversifying military equipment is now essential for India’s ability to engage in future conflicts, whether with Pakistan, China, or in a potential two-front war.
• Adapting to these changes is vital for ensuring national security and staying competitive in an evolving global landscape.

Sectarian wounds

Why in News?

 Syria is at risk of becoming unstable and violent under the control of Islamist groups. 

Introduction

The recent violence in southern Syria, where many Druze civilians were killed, highlights the country's severe sectarian divisions. Since HTS, a former jihadist group, took control, hopes for peace and inclusivity have diminished. With minorities facing threats and external pressures increasing, Syria is entering another phase of conflict and instability in its already tragic history.

Rising Violence in Southern Syria

• Last week, there was a tragic incident in southern Syria where hundreds of Druze civilians lost their lives. This incident is a clear indication of the persistent religious and ethnic tensions that plague the country.
• Currently, Syria is under the rule of HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), a group that was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. HTS seized power in November 2024, with Ahmed al Sharaa at the helm. Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, had promised to safeguard all communities. However, the recent surge in violence raises serious questions about his commitment to this promise.

Fear Among Minorities

• Syria's population is predominantly Sunni Muslim (about 80%), but there are significant minority groups, including Alawites, Shias, Christians, and Druze.
• Since HTS took control, these minority groups have become increasingly anxious about their safety and rights.
• In March, violence erupted in the coastal region, primarily targeting Alawites, who belong to the sect of former President Bashar al-Assad. This outbreak of violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds within a matter of days, carried out by pro-government jihadist militias.
• Just four months later, another major incident occurred in Sweida, a region predominantly inhabited by Druze people. What began as a conflict between Druze and Bedouin groups escalated when HTS deployed security forces to the area, leading to a horrific massacre.

Israel’s Involvement and Political Pressure

• Following the violent events in Sweida, Israel conducted airstrikes on Syrian military installations in Sweida and Damascus. Israel framed these actions as support for the Druze community. However, this stance is viewed as hypocritical, especially considering Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza.
• Historically, Israel has targeted Hezbollah and the Assad regime in Syria. Now, with HTS in control, Israel is concerned about the potential strengthening of the Syrian military near its borders.
• The combination of external attacks and internal turmoil has created a precarious situation for Ahmed al Sharaa's leadership.

Missed Opportunity for Peace

• In the past, Syria experienced political instability during the 1950s and 1960s but achieved a degree of stability in the 1970s under Baathist governance.
• Over time, however, Baathist leadership devolved into a family dictatorship under Hafez and Bashar al-Assad, leading to deep divisions and civil strife.
• When HTS leader Ahmed al Sharaa came to power, he had the opportunity to foster national unity by establishing an inclusive and fair government that represented Kurds, Druze, Alawites, and Christians.
• Instead, Sharaa opted to impose a strict Islamic regime in Damascus, exacerbating sectarian divisions.
• HTS fighters continue to target minority communities, pushing Syria closer to total collapse.
• If Sharaa fails to rein in violence and promote unity swiftly, Syria risks descending into even greater chaos.

Conclusion

Syria is facing a critical juncture. The leadership of HTS, under Ahmed al Sharaa, must prioritize urgent actions to curb violence, promote inclusivity, and safeguard minority rights. Without these measures, the vision of a unified and pluralistic Syria could be lost, giving way to increased sectarian conflict and external meddling. The country is in dire need of effective leadership, meaningful reforms, and a shared national vision to prevent its complete disintegration.