Study the cartoon given below and answer the questions based on it :
Question: 1
Which country is being represented by the man shown in the cartoon?
Show Hint
In NCERT political science cartoons, a single figure wielding military weapons alongside UN symbols almost always symbolizes the dominant global power—the United States of America.
Concept:
Political cartoons often use personification to represent sovereign nations, political ideologies, or leaders. In contemporary political science, caricatured figures holding global symbols or military weapons frequently represent superpowers and their global standing.
Detailed Answer:
The man in the cartoon represents the United States of America (USA) . He personifies US hegemony and its dual-track foreign policy strategy in global affairs, balancing diplomatic channels through international institutions on one side with dominant military force on the other.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 2
What is missing in the UN logo shown in the cartoon?
Show Hint
Pay close attention to replaced or altered symbols in political graphics: replacing a peaceful world map with a military bullseye highlights the distortion of an institution's peaceful mission.
Concept:
The official United Nations emblem consists of a world map surrounded by two olive branches, symbolizing peace and global unity. Visual modifications in political cartoons are deliberate artistic choices designed to convey underlying political commentary.
Detailed Answer:
In the cartoon, the map of the world (the globe) usually located at the center of the UN emblem is missing. Instead, it has been replaced by a target reticle bullseye sign . This symbolizes how international peace machinery is being targeted or manipulated for unilateral military objectives.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 3
Explain the message conveyed by the cartoon.
Show Hint
Always analyze both elements in contrast cartoons: the right hand represents diplomatic legitimacy (UN), while the left hand represents overwhelming hard power (WAR).
Concept:
International relations involve both multilateral diplomatic engagements and hard military power. When a single nation possesses overwhelming power, it can choose whether to pursue its goals through international bodies or resort to direct military action.
Detailed Answer:
The cartoon conveys the message of US Unilateralism and Global Hegemony :
• Dual Approach to Foreign Policy: The caption “If the right one don't get you... then the left one will” illustrates that the US employs a two-pronged strategy in international relations.
• Subjugation of the UN: The right hand holding the UN emblem shows that the US uses the United Nations as a diplomatic tool to legitimize its policy decisions whenever possible.
• Primacy of Military Power: If diplomacy through the UN fails to achieve American national interests, the US is ready to deploy its unmatchable military strength (represented by the heavy iron weapon marked 'WAR' on the left hand) unilaterally, bypassing international law.
