CSS 2009 Solved Current Affairs Past Papers | East Asia’s Calm Political and Economic Sphere
The following question of CSS Current Affairs 2009 is solved by Sir Ammar Hashmi, the best Current Affairs Coach, on the guided pattern of Sir Syed Kazim Ali, which he taught to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question breakdown
This question deciphers the reasons behind the political and economic stability of East Asian Countries.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-A cursory glance at the economic and political landscape of East Asian countries
3-Deciphering the factors behind the economic stability of East Asian countries
- ✓Pragmatic economic policies
- ✓Export-oriented economies
- ✓Technological advancement
- ✓Geopolitical advantage
4-Unwinding the factors behind the political stability of East Asian countries
- ✓Institutional development
- ✓Effective Governance
- ✓Human development
- ✓Cultural values
5-Critical analysis
6-Conclusion
Introduction
The East Asian countries have marvelously developed in recent decades. In the past, these countries were entangled in financial crises and poverty. However, certain reforms like trade openness followed by investment in human capital, technological advancement, and export-oriented approach have fostered economic development in these countries. Besides, a pragmatic governance structure, policy implementation, and cultural values based on mutual respect and social development have contributed to political calmness in these countries. As a result, these countries have been successful in fulfilling national aspirations. According to a World Bank report, East Asia countries have managed to pull out about one billion people from poverty, showcasing immense transformation from poverty to prosperity and development. Thus, these countries reflect a significant case of averting crises through human development, technology, and trade.
A cursory glance at the economic and political landscape of East Asian countries
In the contemporary world, the economic and political harmony of East Asian countries has surprised the world. Regarding the economy, the World Bank has coined the evolution as the “East Asian Miracle”. According to the bank, the region has maintained an average GDP growth rate at 4.8% for the past four decades. Similarly, the single-digit inflation rate and low unemployment ratio also advocate the economic prosperity of the countries. However, the political system in these countries varies from each other. Japan and South Korea have embraced democracy while China thrives on an authoritarian system. Besides differences in political structure, these countries have been exceptional in establishing political cohesion through a robust governance system, human development, and national integration.
Deciphering the factors behind the economic stability of East Asian countries
While addressing the reasons behind the strong economies of East Asian countries, pragmatic economic policies, export-oriented economies, technological development, and geopolitical advancement have a major role in driving sustainable economic growth. Here’s a glance at their contribution.
- Pragmatic economic policies
The East Asian countries have greatly valued their economic policies in avoiding the clouds of financial crisis. For instance, the robust microeconomic framework and fiscal policies accompanied by trade liberalization have garnered the attraction of foreign investors. Similarly, structural reforms to enhance investment security and competitiveness have been pivotal in regulating economic growth. For instance, the Abenomics policy by Japan focuses on decreasing interest rates, increasing government spending, and reinforcing structural reforms, which have been pivotal in stabilizing exchange rates, channeling foreign investment, and reducing unemployment.
- Export-oriented economies
The East Asian countries have capitalized on their economic policies through an export-oriented approach. These countries have shifted from an agrarian-based economy to rapid industrialization to achieve this. Initially, their industries were focused on labor-intensive products like textiles and footwear. However, with the advancement of technology and skilled human resources, these countries have transformed their manufacturing sector by making electronics and automobiles. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China is leading the renewable energy sector with the production of 70% of Solar Panels globally.
- Technological advancement
Besides economic policies and export-oriented approaches, East Asian countries have revolutionized their economies with technological advancement. Because of huge investment in human development, robust infrastructure, and government initiatives, these countries have attracted numerous conglomerates like Samsung, LG, Honda, and Toyota. As a result, these countries become the hub for the global supply of modern technologies. For example, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), 80% of semiconductors are produced in East Asian countries. Hence, technology-based exports are the backbone of these countries’ economies in the present era.
- Geopolitical advantage
In addition to domestic initiatives, East Asian countries have taken advantage of geopolitical alliances and agreements in addition to domestic initiatives. To illustrate, Japan and South Korea have several strategic and free trade agreements with the United States. The Free and Open Indo-Pacific is a glaring example of these incentives to promote free trade and establish regional security. On the other hand, China has key partnerships with Russia, Pakistan, and African countries. For example, the Belt and Road Initiative and BRICS galvanized China’s trade volume and regional influence. For instance, bilateral trade between Japan and the United States has reached 223 billion dollars as per the reports of the Congressional Research Service. Likewise, according to China’s General Administration of Customs, China-Africa trade reached a record high of 282.1 billion dollars in 2023.
Unwinding the factors behind the political stability of East Asian countries
The political stability in East Asian countries has been attributed to their strong emphasis on institutional development, efficient governance, human development, and existing cultural values.
- Institutional development
The robust institutional development in East Asian countries has a vital role in maintaining political harmony. To illustrate, effective policy making and implementation, quick service delivery, maintaining transparency, and the rule of law have garnered public trust. For example, China’s initiative for anticorruption in the form of the National Supervisory Commission, the National Development and Reform Commission for microeconomic stability, and Japan’s Fair Trade Commission to enhance economic competition and reduce market monopoly manifest the countries’ institutional framework striving for smooth service deliveryand political stability.
- Effective Governance
The effective mechanism of governance in East Asian countries is of prime importance while navigating the reasons behind political stability. Though countries like China and Japan have different political systems, their governing efficiency has remained functional. The common elements in their governing structure include decentralization, consensus-based policymaking, and meritocracy. Moreover, the digitalized governance pattern further enhances their functionality. For example, Korea’s Electronic Custom Clearing Service digitalizes custom clearance, gearing the trade cycle. Similarly, Japan’s Stewardship Code further enhances corporate governance leading to better investment satisfaction and economic growth.
- Human development
The East Asian countries reflect a substantial case study of human development. These countries have largely invested in education, health, and skill development programs. As a result, politically aware, empowered, and informed human capital has emerged tranquilizing political values. To illustrate, Korea’s New Human Deal initiative to increase investment in education, digitalization, and green energy is a significant step to foster human development.
- Cultural values
The cultural values that prevail in East Asian societies have greater significance in their sociopolitical development. To illustrate, values like Confucianism promote sympathy, mutual trust, justice, and obedience to family and rulers. Thus, existing norms like social justice, respect, and cooperation are the major reasons behind existing political harmony in East Asian countries.
Critical Analysis
The sociopolitical and economic development of East Asian countries underscores many lessons for developing countries embedded in myriads of challenges. Besides being engulfed in poverty and financial crisis, these countries have overcome all the challenges through human development and strengthened the production sector. In addition, huge investment in education by these countries has yielded technological development and social harmony; hence, it reflects the essence of education in transforming the fate of a country.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the distinct state of East Asian countries in terms of political and economic harmony results from multifaceted approaches. For instance, these countries have consumer- and investors-friendly economic policies adjacent to open trade. Additionally, the technology-driven export-oriented economy has changed the fate of these countries. However, these countries have subtle differences in their political culture, their institutional framework, good governance, and prevailing cultural values have been pivotal in achieving political harmony.
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