Question
Examine the successes and failures of Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership of India.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to consider how well the India fared due to the policies and actions of Rajiv Gandhi. Conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence.
Indicative content
Successes:
- Economic successes discussed could include the reduction of taxes and import quotas on consumer goods. Gandhi also developed information technology and telecommunications industries. Provisions were made to support the creation of new businesses and remove bureaucratic constraints.
- Social successes may include an assessment of his education policies, which included making primary education more accessible in rural areas and increasing higher education opportunities. The subjects of science and technology were also developed.
- Political successes include Rajiv Gandhi’s maintenance of good relations with both the US and the USSR.
Failures:
- Political problems could include discussion of the tensions in Punjab, which eventually resulted in the introduction of martial law. His support for the Sri Lankan government during their civil war was unpopular amongst the Indian people.
- Rumours of political and financial corruption damaged Rajiv Gandhi’s reputation and leadership.
- There was also unease about his rule due to its dynastic nature.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
With reference to any two countries in South/Southeast Asia, examine the social and economic developments that have occurred in the second half of the 20th century.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
In their responses, candidates will need to select two appropriate countries (both from one sub-region, or one from each sub-region) and they will need to consider both the social and economic developments that their chosen states have experienced. Answers should be supported with relevant detail and there should be some attempt to reach a reasoned conclusion.
Indicative content
Social developments:
- A growing sense of national identity.
- The impact of immigration/migration.
- The nature and degree of equality for women.
- Increased accessibility to education.
- Relations between different religious and ethnic groups.
- The introduction of health and welfare systems.
Economic developments:
- Recovery from the devastation of the Second World War.
- The impact of urbanization.
- Increasing industrialization and technological advances.
- State control of the economy and trade.
- Globalization.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Evaluate the success of Zulfikar Bhutto’s domestic policies.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to appraise the domestic policies of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. They will focus on the nature of his policies and consider the level of his achievements. Bhutto was in power between 1971 and 1977 and was the founder of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the largest and most influential political party in Pakistan. Candidates may discuss whether Bhutto was interested in maintaining the political integrity of Pakistan or if he was more concerned with advancing a personal agenda.
Indicative content
- Bhutto was determined to maintain Pakistan as a nation and used intelligence and military operations to attempt to destroy separatist movements across Pakistan.
- Bhutto refused to cooperate with the Awami League after the 1970 elections, tensions over this eventually led to the declaration of independence in Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Liberation War.
- Bhutto held peace talks with Indira Gandhi. The Shimla Agreement (1972) resulted in nearly 100,000 Pakistani prisoners being released and the establishment of a temporary line of control in Kashmir.
- Constitutional developments included Bhutto recognizing the sovereignty of Bangladesh in the 1973 Constitution.
- Bhutto established a nuclear programme for Pakistan to respond to a potential nuclear threat from India. He set up the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and provided funds for research into nuclear weapons.
- Bhutto was determined to improve Pakistan’s education and health systems but this was at a great cost and his socialist principles were often blamed for slowing down Pakistan’s economic progress.
- Land reforms capped the amount of land that could be owned and tax benefits were given to small landowners.
- Bhutto attempted to make Pakistan more self-sufficient by developing the sugar, rice and wheat industries.
- In the area of education, there were significant developments. Hundreds of elementary, middle and high schools were built in urban and rural areas. Bhutto rejected Western systems of education and Western books. Islamic Studies was made compulsory.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.