Korean War

Discuss the causes and consequences of the 1950-53 Korean War. Also examine
if the nature of boundary problem between two Koreas has any similarities to the
boundary problem between India and Pakistan. (200 Words)
Korea, a unified country since the 14th century with people sharing same language and
essential culture was subjected to colonization under the Japanese since the aftermath
of the first Sino-Japanese war in 1910 which continued for 35 years until 1945. The
events that followed got imprinted in the history of this world forever.
When the WW II had almost run its course, the allied powers decided to assume
trusteeship control over Japanese colonies. Soon after the Hiroshima-Nagasaki nuclear
bombings in 1945, Japan surrendered to the soviets in the northern half of Korea and to
the US military in the southern.
The US in a state of confusion and regional disorder, hastily divided the two nations
along the 38th parallel with an important motive to keep Seoul in its territory. Soon anti-
communist president, Syngman Rhee was elected in South Korea by the US and
declared itself a nation in May 1948. In the north, Soviets appointed communist leader
Kim II Sung who dubbed himself as the ‘Great leader’.
In the years that followed, Kim II-Sung tried to unite Korea under communist leadership
and invaded South Korea, further exacerbating the existing tensed situations and
marked the beginning of the 3 year long Korean-war, killing 3 million people in the
proceedings that followed only to find themselves back to where they started.

 On 25th June 1950, North Korea, backed by the USSR, launched an

attack on South Korea and occupied most of the country.
 In response, the United Nations force led by the US retaliated.
 In 1951 the US forces led by Douglas MacArthur crossed the
38th parallel and triggered the entry of China in support of North Korea.
 To prevent further escalation peace talks began later in 1951.
 On 27th July 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed between
the United Nations Command, the Korean People's Army and the
Chinese People's Volunteer Army.
o It led to an official ceasefire without a Peace treaty. Thus, the
war officially never ended.
o Exchange of Prisoners of war (PoWs).
o Establishment of Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) – a strip
of land running across the Korean Peninsula to serve as a
buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea.
 After the death of Stalin, in 1953, USSR brokered an armistice agreement. It
lead to (1) An official ceasefire without a Peace treaty. So, in a sense, the war
never ended. (2) Exchange of Prisoners of war (PoWs). (3) Establishment
of Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – 2.5 miles wide and approximately 150-
mile long areas with no military presence. Though its surrounding makes the
most fortified border in the world.
Cuban Missile Crisis 1962

The end of the political blockade by the United States allows Cuba a rare
opportunity to renew socialism. What had led to the Cuban Missile crisis? How
will the recent developments towards thawing of mutual animosity impact the
Geo-political and Economic interests of both the nations. (200 Words)
Circumstances which led to Cuban missile crisis
The second part of the 20th century was period of cold war with the whole world divided
in two parts led by USA and USSR. Cuba a small island in Atlantic was headed by Fidel
Castro who was against the anti-imperialistic nature of USA. The tensed situation began
to surface in early 1960s when Castro asked for help from USSR who agreed for plotting
its missiles in Cuba which was its nearest station to USA. USA also strengthened its
stations nearby USSR.
In 1962, the situation came to the brink with the possibility of nuclear attack when both
the blocs signed treaty and Cuba remained out of influence of USA.
Impact of the recent developments towards thawing of mutual animosity on geo
political interests are-
 End of decades long policy of political meddling, running of naval
blockades and attempts to assassinate Cuban leaders by USA.
 Increase in the strategic tie ups which will help Cuba which suffered after
the fall of USSR in 1991.
 The isolation of Cuba had only strengthened its position as the anti-
imperialistic country and not helped USA. Now, both can work together.
 It is not Cuba but USA which isolated in the Latin America and the
different regional association had decreased its influence. Now, the
isolation can gradually be reduced.
Impact on economic interests-
 There will be increase in remittances by the Cuban émigrés.
 The citizen can travel easily now to other country which will be helpful in
tourism industry.
 The economic sanctions will be removed by USA and will help Cuba to go
further deep in the market.
 The capitalist class of USA can find a good market in Cuba
Critically examine why was Cuba isolated by the USA and international
community? Do you think recent policy of America towards Cuba would help the
latter in realizing its economic potential? Comment. (200 Words)
The bilateral relations of IS and Cuba date back to 1898 Spanish American war after
which Cuba became an American protectorate, eventually granted independence and
US continues, till date, to operate Guantanamo bay on lease.
Being a communist by ideology, Cuba had his natural inclination towards Soviet Union.
Then came two events which further fueled the tensions:
 Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 in an attempt to overthrow Cuban
government by CIA. This widened the gulf between the two countries.
 The famous Cuban missile crisis in which Cuba had allowed Soviet Union
to place missiles on its land as an answer to US encirclement of Soviet
Union.
This is a landmark event in the history of US Cuba relations as it ultimately led to
diplomatic and economic sanctions on Cuba.
Both used Switzerland as mediator for their talks and US had also included Cuba in the
list of State Sponsor of Terrorism. Also embargo was reinforced such that even other
nations were not allowed to trade with Cuba or else itself face embargo by US. Thus,
Cuba was isolated and it faced economic stagnation. Recently, after backchannel talks
with the help of Canada and Vatican, relations seem to have thawed a lot. US took off
the name of Cuba from State Sponsor of terrorism, eased travelling restrictions, eased
embargos and will establish diplomatic relations after a more than 50 years gap. Cuba,
on its part, has realized its weaknesses especially after disintegration of the Soviet,
inability of Venezuela to supply it with oil, weakening socialism world over and has
also taken steps to open up more space for private capital. If relations are sorted
between US and Cuba, we could see a more proactive Cuba on international forums like
WTO and participate in world trade to integrate itself better with world economy. Its
economy relies on exports of sugar, cigar, rum, etc. and with easing, American
companies would now be able to do business in Cuba. US had been criticized of its
Cuban policy in UN for long. However, a lot depends on the response of Raul Castro.

Détente

In simple words, Detente can be defined on “the process of normalization of relations

and the development of friendly cooperation in place of strained, hostile, unhealthy
and mutually harmful relations.” It, however does not mean the conclusion of
agreements, treaties or trade pacts. Detente may or may not lead to such
developments. It signifies the attempts made at the promotion of collaboration even
within a competitive or even in a conflictual situation.

To sum up we can say that Detente envisages a conscious and deliberate reduction
of tensions in mutual relations. While the Cold War involves a deliberate and
conscious maintenance of tension at a relatively high level, Detente stands for
reduction in cold war tensions and normalization of relations.

Causes of Détente
1. Cuban Missile Crisis:
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, which had brought the two super powers to the
brink of a war, made them conscious of the need to limit the scope of cold war by
developing collaborative and friendly relations.
2. Fear of Nuclear War:
The fear of the nuclear war that resulted from the unbridled armament race between
the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. also strengthened the view against the cold war.

3. Increased differences between the USSR and China:

The emergence of differences between China and U.S.S.R. also influenced the
USSR in favour of detente. It also influenced the U.S.A. to develop relations with the
communist states.

4. Increasing role of USSR and its bloc in World Politics:

The increased influence of the Soviet Union and the Socialist bloc in international
relations also influenced the U.S.A. in favour of detente.

5. Soviet Policy of “Peaceful Co-existence”:

The change in Soviet foreign policy in favour of “No War” and “Peaceful
Coexistence,” also influenced the thinking in favour of detente.

6. Role of NAM:
The progress of Non-Aligned Movement and the success with which the Non-aligned
countries, like India, could develop friendly relations with both the communist and

non- communist states also compelled the USA and USSR to accept the possibilities
of friendship and cooperation between Communist and Democratic nations. It
encouraged them to work for the development of friendly cooperation

7. Failure of the U.S.A. in Vietnam War:

The growing opposition to U.S. involvement in Vietnam and the American realization
about the futility of Vietnam War also influenced it to accept the need for a detente in
international relations. All these factors influenced the two super powers to adopt
detente and suspend cold war in international relations.