All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2021 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (10-Oct-2021)

The statement holds significant weight. While the Soviet Union posed a formidable military and ideological threat during the Cold War, largely through a centrally planned economy isolated from the West, China presents a far more complex and pervasive challenge to the USA.

Unlike the USSR, China is deeply integrated into the global economic system, making it an indispensable yet powerful economic rival. Its ascendancy is driven by rapid, cutting-edge technological advancements in areas like AI and 5G, directly challenging US supremacy in critical future industries. Furthermore, China offers an alternative model of "authoritarian capitalism," demonstrating economic prosperity without political liberalization, which resonates in many developing nations. Its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative and rapidly modernizing military signify a comprehensive push for global influence. This multifaceted economic, technological, and ideological rise makes China a more systemic and insidious competitor than the economically isolated Soviet Union ever was.

Answered By:

Sarvesh Jha

Sarvesh Jha is a seasoned government exam mentor with firsthand success in top exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, CDS, RRB JE, SSC CGL, BPSC, and CTET. Known for his deep conceptual clarity and strategic approach, he has guided over 5000 students through personalized mentorship. He has been creating well researched content for last 5 years.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation one election" principle.

  2. Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

  3. "The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.

  4. "The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.

  5. Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.

  6. Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

  7. Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?

  8. The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

  9. The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance.' Explain this statement with examples.

  10. Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.


Important Questions from GS2

  1. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation one election" principle.

  2. Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

  3. "The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.

  4. "The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.

  5. Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC CMS
August 02, 2026
IAS Exam
August 21, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
654 Tests 3 Tests Free
679 Attempts
4.8(182)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App