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Para-Completion Questions
Q.17 There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide where (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: Beyond undermining the monopoly of the State on the use of force, armed conflict also creates an environment that can enable organized crime to prosper.
Paragraph: _____(1)_____. Linkages between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict can reinforce one another while also escalating and prolonging violence and eroding governance. _____(2)_____. Financial gains from crime can lengthen or intensify armed conflicts by creating revenue streams for non-State armed groups (NSAGs). _____(3)_____. In this context, when hostilities cease and parties to a conflict move towards a peaceful resolution, the widespread availability of surplus arms and ammunition can contribute to a situation of ‘criminalized peace’ that obstructs sustainable peacebuilding efforts. _____(4)_____.
1. Option 2
2. Option 4
3. Option 1
4. Option 3
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 4
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The sentence, “Beyond undermining the monopoly of the State on the use of force, armed conflict also creates an environment that can enable organized crime to prosper,” emphasizes the secondary effects of armed conflict on organized crime and the State's weakened control.
Let’s examine each blank to determine the best fit:
- Option 1: This blank would not be suitable, as the paragraph starts with the mention of linkages between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict, which sets the stage for a more general introductory sentence.
- Option 2: This blank follows the statement about the interconnectedness of illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict, and it already logically builds on the theme of crime intensifying conflicts. The given sentence would not add new information here.
- Option 3: This blank could fit the sentence since the previous sentence discusses how financial gains from crime prolong conflicts, aligning with the concept of organized crime flourishing in conflict situations. However, the sentence at this blank does not strongly connect the undermining of State authority.
- Option 4: This blank would be ideal, as the preceding sentence discusses the link between crime and conflict and how crime can intensify conflicts. Placing the sentence here would further explain how organized crime can persist even when conflicts cease, fitting seamlessly with the discussion of "criminalized peace" and its impacts on sustainable peacebuilding.
Given these observations, Option 4 is the correct answer as it provides a logical transition into the concept of "criminalized peace," emphasizing the impact of organized crime within post-conflict scenarios.
Word 1: Linkages
Context:
"Linkages between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict can reinforce one another while also escalating and prolonging violence and eroding governance." - UNODC Report on Organized Crime
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "linkages" refers to connections or relationships between people, concepts, systems, or events. In this context, it highlights the interconnected nature of illegal arms trading, crime networks, and violent conflicts. These relationships can create a cycle where each element fuels the others, making it harder to resolve or control the problems they cause. Understanding these linkages is key to designing effective strategies to address such complex global issues.
Meaning: Connections or relationships between different entities (Noun)
Pronunciation: LIN-kuh-jiz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From "link," derived from Old Norse *hlenca* (to link or tie), with "-age" denoting action or result.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a powerful academic and analytical word often used in global policy, sociology, and economic discussions. It helps in mapping out cause-effect chains and identifying systemic issues.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: connections, associations, relationships, correlations, bonds
Antonyms: separations, disconnections, isolations, divisions
Usage Examples:
- The research paper highlighted the linkages between poverty and poor health outcomes.
- Political analysts examined the linkages among voting patterns and media consumption.
- Educational linkages between schools and local businesses can enhance student career readiness.
- Understanding economic linkages is essential for planning regional development strategies.
Cultural Reference:
"Everything is connected. There are linkages between all of our choices and their long-term consequences." - Inspired by systems thinking in Donella Meadows' *Thinking in Systems*
Think About It:
How can recognizing linkages between social, economic, and environmental issues help us build more sustainable policies?
Quick Activity:
Think of a current event (e.g., climate change, inflation, conflict). List at least three linkages it has with other global or local issues.
Memory Tip:
Picture a chain where each link connects a cause to an effect—this chain represents multiple "linkages" in a complex system.
Real-World Application:
In international development, understanding the linkages between health, education, and income is vital for designing effective aid programs.
Word 2: Escalating
Context:
"Linkages between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict can reinforce one another while also escalating and prolonging violence and eroding governance." - UNODC Report on Organized Crime
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Escalating" refers to the process of something increasing in intensity, seriousness, or magnitude. In the context of conflict or violence, it implies a worsening or deepening of the situation—where actions and reactions build upon each other and lead to greater harm. For example, what begins as a small conflict may escalate into a full-blown war if not addressed in time. The word carries a sense of urgency and danger, suggesting that situations can spiral out of control quickly.
Meaning: Increasing or intensifying, especially in a negative or serious way (Verb – present participle)
Pronunciation: ES-kuh-lay-ting
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *scala* meaning "ladder" or "stairs", through the Italian *scala* and the verb *escalare*, which means "to climb."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is commonly used in news, international relations, and social science texts to describe worsening trends—especially those involving violence, conflict, or costs. Recognizing escalation helps identify when intervention is needed to de-escalate tensions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: intensifying, heightening, worsening, amplifying, aggravating
Antonyms: decreasing, reducing, calming, de-escalating, easing
Usage Examples:
- The argument kept escalating until it turned into a major dispute.
- Rising fuel prices are escalating the cost of living globally.
- Tensions between the two countries are escalating over the border issue.
- The company is taking measures to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Cultural Reference:
"This is how wars escalate—through miscommunication, pride, and retaliation." – A recurring theme in conflict-driven dramas like *House of Cards* and *Homeland*
Think About It:
What are some everyday situations where a calm response could prevent something from escalating?
Quick Activity:
Write down three examples of situations (personal or global) that have escalated due to poor communication. Then, write how they could have been de-escalated.
Memory Tip:
Think of an "escalator" — once you get on, it takes you higher. Similarly, when things escalate, they go up in intensity.
Real-World Application:
In workplace conflict resolution, recognizing escalating behavior early can help HR professionals mediate before issues become major problems.
Word 3: Eroding
Context:
"Linkages between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict can reinforce one another while also escalating and prolonging violence and eroding governance." - UNODC Report on Organized Crime
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "eroding" describes a gradual process of wearing away, weakening, or diminishing something. While it originally referred to physical wear—like soil erosion due to water or wind—it is often used metaphorically to describe the slow breakdown of systems, values, or institutions. In the given context, "eroding governance" means that consistent exposure to violence and criminal activity weakens the structure, authority, and functioning of governments over time, leading to instability and lawlessness.
Meaning: Gradually wearing away, weakening, or diminishing (Verb – present participle)
Pronunciation: ih-ROH-ding
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *erodere* meaning "to gnaw away," from *e-* (away) + *rodere* (to gnaw).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Eroding” is a versatile word often used in academic, environmental, and political contexts. It adds seriousness and weight to discussions, especially when describing long-term decline or damage to systems and values.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: weakening, deteriorating, undermining, corroding, wearing away
Antonyms: strengthening, reinforcing, restoring, preserving, building
Usage Examples:
- Constant misinformation is eroding public trust in institutions.
- The river has been slowly eroding the banks for decades.
- Poor leadership is eroding the morale of the team.
- Economic instability is eroding the middle class in many countries.
Cultural Reference:
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction... it must be fought for, protected, and handed on." – Ronald Reagan, often quoted in discussions about eroding democratic values
Think About It:
What small daily actions or decisions can contribute to either eroding or strengthening a community's values?
Quick Activity:
Choose an institution (like education, media, or law). Write one paragraph about how it can be eroded over time, and one paragraph about how it can be preserved.
Memory Tip:
Imagine a rock slowly losing its shape as waves hit it again and again—that’s erosion. "Eroding" is the ongoing action of being worn down.
Real-World Application:
Understanding how trust and authority are eroded in society helps policymakers and leaders design systems that can endure and adapt over time.
Word 4: Intensify
Context:
"Financial gains from crime can lengthen or intensify armed conflicts by creating revenue streams for non-State armed groups (NSAGs)." - UNODC Report on Organized Crime
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Intensify” means to make something stronger, more severe, or more extreme. In conflict situations, it often refers to the worsening of violence, hostility, or danger. When armed groups gain financial resources, they can buy more weapons, recruit fighters, and sustain longer attacks, which intensifies the conflict. The word highlights how actions or conditions can become more serious and damaging over time when external factors fuel them further.
Meaning: To become or make more intense, stronger, or more severe (Verb)
Pronunciation: in-TEN-suh-fy
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *intensus* (stretched, intense) + *-fy* (to make), first used in English in the 19th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Intensify” is commonly used in both everyday language and formal writing. It helps describe processes that gain force or seriousness over time—very useful in academic, policy, and media contexts. Think of it as a power-up word!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: heighten, escalate, strengthen, aggravate, amplify
Antonyms: weaken, diminish, lessen, reduce, ease
Usage Examples:
- The storm is expected to intensify overnight, bringing heavy rains and winds.
- Debates around the policy intensified as the deadline approached.
- Media coverage can sometimes intensify public fear during crises.
- His anger intensified when he found out the truth had been hidden from him.
Cultural Reference:
"May the Force intensify your strength." – A Star Wars-inspired twist often used by fans to suggest growing power and energy.
Think About It:
What are some emotions or situations in your life that can intensify unexpectedly, and how can you manage them?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph using “intensify” to describe either a natural disaster, a political crisis, or a personal challenge.
Memory Tip:
Think of a knob being turned up higher and higher—that’s what “intensify” does to a situation or feeling!
Real-World Application:
In journalism and policy writing, “intensify” is often used to describe the growing seriousness of crises like wars, climate change, or pandemics.
Word 5: Sustainable
Context:
"In this context, when hostilities cease and parties to a conflict move towards a peaceful resolution, the widespread availability of surplus arms and ammunition can contribute to a situation of ‘criminalized peace’ that obstructs sustainable peacebuilding efforts." - UNODC Report on Organized Crime
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "sustainable" refers to something that can be maintained over time without exhausting resources, causing harm, or collapsing. It often implies balance and long-term viability. In the context of peacebuilding, a sustainable effort is one that addresses the root causes of conflict, supports inclusive institutions, and reduces the risk of violence recurring. Sustainability is key in development, environment, economics, and governance because short-term fixes often fail to endure. True sustainable peace must be resilient, inclusive, and rooted in justice.
Meaning: Able to be maintained over time without depleting resources or causing harm (Adjective)
Pronunciation: suh-STAY-nuh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *sustinere* meaning “to hold up” or “to support,” combining *sub-* (under) + *tenere* (to hold)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is one of the most significant academic and policy buzzwords of the 21st century. It’s commonly used in fields like environment (sustainable development), economics (sustainable growth), and peace (sustainable peace). Grasping its layered meaning is crucial for critical reading and writing tasks.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: lasting, enduring, viable, long-term, stable
Antonyms: temporary, short-lived, fragile, unsustainable, fleeting
Usage Examples:
- The organization promotes sustainable farming techniques to protect soil and water.
- Sustainable peace requires addressing inequality and rebuilding trust.
- We need a sustainable plan for urban development that considers future generations.
- Her business model focuses on sustainable fashion using eco-friendly materials.
Cultural Reference:
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." – Brundtland Report (1987)
Think About It:
What does it take for peace or progress to be truly sustainable in your community or country?
Quick Activity:
List three examples from daily life—such as food, transport, or fashion—that could be made more sustainable. Describe how.
Memory Tip:
Think of "sustainable" as something that can be *sustained*—like a bicycle that keeps going without needing constant fuel. If it lasts without damage, it's sustainable!
Real-World Application:
Sustainable practices are critical in combating climate change, building resilient communities, and maintaining peace in post-conflict societies.
