The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 10th February 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Keeping a watch on the growing arc of violence

Why in News?

Violence is on the rise in Europe and West Asia, with various regions experiencing conflicts. 

•  The situation underscores the failure of international institutions to manage global stability. 

Unstable World Order

• The world order established after 1945 is in disarray. Key institutions like the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice are struggling to prevent conflicts.
• Ongoing issues such as the prolonged war in Ukraine and persistent violence in West Asia showcase the inability of these global bodies to maintain peace and order.

Conflicts in West Asia

• The conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon have created a misleading perception of stability in West Asia.
• There is a misconception that the influence of certain regional powers has diminished. However, the long-term implications of these conflicts are still unclear.
• Additionally, there is a rise in underground activities, which could lead to increased instability rather than enduring peace.

Rise of Islamist Terrorism

• Terrorism is not eradicated but is evolving and remains a significant global threat.
• The process of radicalization is increasingly happening online, making terrorist organizations more decentralized and difficult to monitor.
• Islamist terrorism has adapted to digital platforms, utilizing social media and artificial intelligence to disseminate extremist ideologies.

Historical Development of Islamist Terrorism

• Since 1979, two primary branches of Islamist militancy have emerged: Sunni and Shia variants.
• Sunni radicalization has led to the creation of major terrorist groups focused on global jihad. Over time, their strategies have evolved, with some groups concentrating on regional issues while others maintain a global focus.
• Although the emphasis on global jihad has decreased, radicalization continues to be a pressing concern, impacting the political landscape of West Asia and beyond.

New Phase of Terrorism

• Some prominent terrorist organizations are showing signs of revival, with the resumption of training camps in areas controlled by extremist factions.
• Attacks are beginning to spread to new regions, with sporadic incidents reported in various countries.
• The resurgence of terrorism does not imply an immediate risk of large-scale attacks; however, the increase in smaller, frequent incidents is raising security alarms.

Recent Incidents and Threats

• Recent attacks across different nations suggest that terrorist groups are broadening their operational scope.
• Concerns are growing regarding the recruitment of new members into terrorist networks, particularly individuals with military experience.
• Security agencies have identified multiple potential threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced counter-terrorism efforts.

Preparedness for the Future

• Experts in counter-terrorism caution that extremist groups are leveraging modern technology, including artificial intelligence, for recruitment and planning purposes.
• While large-scale attacks have not been prevalent recently, the indicators of potential threats should not be overlooked.
• It is crucial for governments and security agencies to take proactive measures to avert a new wave of terrorist activities.

Conclusion

• The global landscape is becoming increasingly unstable due to ongoing conflicts and the persistent threat of terrorism.
• International organizations are proving inadequate in addressing and mitigating these threats.
• There is a pressing need for robust global collaboration and the development of more effective strategies to combat modern terrorism and maintain peace.

India’s opportunity at the AI Action Summit

 India has been invited to co-chair the upcoming AI Action Summit in Paris, scheduled for February 10-11, 2025. This summit will focus on crucial topics such as AI safety, innovation, public interest AI, the future of work, and AI governance. India’s participation aims to highlight the priorities of developing nations and strengthen its role in global AI discussions. 

Background: AI Summits 

•  The Paris summit will be the third in a series of AI-focused gatherings, following the previous summits in the U.K. (2023) and South Korea (2024). 
•  At the first summit in the U.K. , discussions centered on the risks posed by advanced AI models, leading to the establishment of the AI Safety Institute. 
•  The second summit in South Korea expanded the dialogue on international cooperation in AI safety and risk management. 

 India's Role and Initiatives 

•  India has been actively engaging in international discussions on AI safety and governance and has announced plans to set up its own AI Safety Institute. 
•  During its G20 presidency in 2023, India advocated for AI policies that benefit developing countries, emphasizing the need for equal access to AI research and infrastructure. 
•  The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) meeting in 2023, hosted by India, highlighted the importance of equal access to AI resources. 

 Key Priorities for India at the Paris Summit 

 India aims to focus on three strategic areas to benefit developing nations: 

 1. Equal Access to AI Resources 

•  Advocate for global accessibility to AI resources such as data storage, cloud computing, foundation models, and development platforms. 
•  Promote initiatives like India’s own project providing access to computing power, including GPUs and government subsidies. 
•  Encourage the use of distributed computing solutions and new AI safety tools like watermarking. 
•  Support the development and use of open-source AI models to foster innovation in developing countries. 
•  Push for easier cross-border sharing of AI technologies while ensuring security standards are maintained. 

2. Developing AI for Local Needs 

•  Focus on creating AI applications that address the specific challenges faced by developing countries, such as early disease detection, education, and agriculture. 
•  Propose the establishment of a global repository of AI applications to help developing nations prioritize AI solutions tailored to their needs. 

3. Addressing AI Risks for the Global South 

•  Recognize that AI risks in developing countries differ from those in developed nations, with a particular concern for cultural erosion resulting from AI models trained on Western data. 
•  Advocate for AI safety measures based on real-world evidence from developing countries rather than solely theoretical risks. 
•  Call for the creation of a database documenting AI-related harms in developing nations to inform future policies and regulations. 

 India's Future Role in AI Governance 

•  As co-chair of the Paris summit, India has an opportunity to influence AI policies that prioritize the needs and concerns of developing nations. 
•  Hosting the next AI Action Summit would further cement India’s position as a leader in AI governance and policy-making. 
•  India can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between developed and developing countries, fostering collaboration and understanding in shaping the global AI landscape.