Question 1

Despite lofty promises by South Asian governments to fight corruption, it remains on the rise. The rising trend demonstrates a serious lack of political will on the part of South Asian governments to make laws work. Critically examine corruption in two South Asian countries and their anti-corruption strategies.

Question 2

On 1 February 2021, Myanmar saw a sudden transition of power from the hands of a newly elected democratic government to those of the military junta in a coup. Aung San Su Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was arrested along with other top officials from the party. This sparked anger from the people and nationwide protests led to arrests and hundreds of deaths. In a bid to reassure foreign investors, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the junta, said that “although protests are staged in neighboring countries and the international community, they do not destroy businesses.” Question the politics of governance in Myanmar and the international response to the Myanmar crisis.

Question 3

Vaccine diplomacy can be defined as a branch of global health diplomacy that relies on the use or delivery of vaccines to gain/keep friends. It is a form of soft power i.e., the ability to obtain preferred outcomes rather than coercion or payment. The COVID-19 pandemic provides opportunities for countries, that are able to produce and export much-needed medical supplies, to practice vaccine diplomacy. As wealthy countries scramble to buy up the limited supply of big-name coronavirus vaccines, China is stepping in to offer its homegrown vaccines to poorer countries. Infer China’s strategic interests in adopting vaccine.