GA

Geetika AroraAIR 22· 2025

Question Q.14CommentGS1GS1

'The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War.' Comment. (15 marks, 250 words)

Open scan (p.32)

Introduction

Cold War -> was the period after culmination of World War two (WWII) and brought to an end in 1991, with disintegration of USSR and unipolarity of USA. -> one of its implication was a proxy Vietnam War.

38 words

Main Body

Vietnam War: a proxy conflict rooted in ideological rivalry:-

1Waged, after the fall of Saigaon in 1989.
2A proxy conflict between 'USA' and 'USSR' as blocks to showcase superior power.
3The ideology of socialism/communism of USSR and capitalism by USA, led to sandwiching of 'vietnam' in between.
4Why it was proxy conflict:- (i) As, both blocks (USA & USSR) - was not directly involved in the conflict. (ii) Aimed at imposing 'ideology' in the vietnam region.

NO Actual war like weaponization, bombing, arm to arm combat etc.

Events/Chronology in the 'Vietnam War':-

1The USA's helicopters/Air equipments started surveillancing the Vietnam region.
2The USSR in retaliation made entry in the vietnam region, with equipment & aid.
3The inner ability of vietnam led to strike down of USA's helicopters.
4Concluded, with the ultimate win and sovereignty of vietnam.

Lessons learned:-

1A small nation like Vietnam won war against a large state and superpower like USA.
2'Michael Gorbachev' reforms in USSR lead to its breakup/disintegration - ending the ideological conflict.
3The future lesson on sovereignty and importance of Non Alignment confirmed. (eg) India & African country's NAM.
4Other lessons like, peace, Non nuclear proliferation etc.
204 words4 paragraphs

Conclusion

Thus, Vietnam war was truly a proxy conflict, whose lessons are remembered till date.

14 words

  • Clear framing of Cold War context

Topper

Geetika Arora

AIR 222025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

History of the World

Socialism and Communism

Cold War and Vietnam War

Writing Stats

256

Total words

4

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone