“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.

Theme

T117 Great-power politics: US–China rivalry, NATO, China+1, Indo-US vs Indo-Russian defence

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions ask whether China is a bigger threat to the US than the USSR was, whether NATO's expansion helps India, the West fostering India as an alternative to China, and Indo-US vs Indo-Russian defence deals.

What to cover

• US–China rivalry: trade, tech, military
• NATO expansion and the Ukraine war's effect on India–Russia ties
• China+1, supply chain diversification, iCET
• Defence: Russian legacy systems vs US deals (foundational agreements)
• Strategic autonomy and multi-alignment

Writing the answer

• Give an opinion supported by interests; avoid one-sided answers

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 5 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.