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Question 20: The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Foreign peacekeepers often exist in a bubble in the poor countries in which they are deployed; they live in posh compounds, drive fancy vehicles, and distance themselves from locals. This may be partially justified as they are outsiders, living in constant fear, performing a job that is emotionally draining. But they are often despised by the locals, and many would like them to leave. A better solution would be bottom-up peacebuilding, which would involve their spending more time working with communities, understanding their grievances and earning their trust, rather than only meeting government officials.
A. Peacekeeping duties would be more effectively performed by local residents given their better understanding, knowledge and rapport with their own communities.
B. The environment in poor countries has tended to make foreign peacekeeping forces live in enclaves, but it is time to change this scenario.
C. Extravagant lifestyles and an aloof attitude among the foreigners working as peacekeepers in poor countries have justifiably made them the target of local anger.
D. Peacekeeping forces in foreign countries have tended to be aloof for valid reasons but would be more effective if they worked more closely with local communities.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: D
Explanation:
Solution by Wordpandit
The paragraph primarily focuses on the dynamics of peacekeeping forces within local communities and the challenges they often encounter. The following key points are highlighted:
- Existence in a Bubble: Peacekeeping forces tend to operate within a somewhat isolated environment, which is sometimes necessary due to security concerns and logistical reasons. While these reasons are valid, this situation can lead to a disconnect between the peacekeepers and the local population they are meant to serve. The isolation can inadvertently foster a sense of detachment and aloofness, contributing to local resentment and antipathy towards the peacekeepers.
- Importance of Building Rapport: The paragraph emphasizes that a solution to this challenge lies in actively establishing genuine connections with the local community. Rather than solely engaging with government officials or leaders, peacekeeping forces should prioritize building rapport with the general populace. This approach can help bridge the gap and reduce the perception of foreign occupation, as interactions on a personal level can generate understanding, empathy, and trust.
Given the provided options:
- Option A: This option is not implied in the paragraph. The paragraph does not advocate for replacing foreign peacekeepers with local residents, but instead suggests they should work more closely with locals.
- Option B: This option distorts the paragraph's message by solely attributing the isolation to the country's environment. It fails to capture the antipathy and the proposed solution of bottom-up peacebuilding.
- Option C: This option inaccurately blames peacekeeping forces' "extravagant lifestyles" and overlooks the nuanced, partially justified reasons for their detachment mentioned in the passage.
- Option D: This is the best option as it accurately encapsulates the key points of the paragraph. It highlights the aloof nature of foreign peacekeepers, acknowledges the justification for this behavior, and presents the proposed solution of more effective community engagement.
In conclusion: The paragraph underlines the challenges arising from the isolated environment of peacekeeping forces and suggests that building meaningful relationships with the local community is crucial to address these issues and foster a more harmonious coexistence. Hence, Option D is correct.
Word 1: Peacekeepers
Context:
"Foreign peacekeepers often exist in a bubble in the poor countries in which they are deployed; they live in posh compounds, drive fancy vehicles, and distance themselves from locals." - International Affairs Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Peacekeepers" are individualsâtypically soldiers, police officers, or civiliansâdeployed by international organizations like the United Nations to maintain or restore peace in regions affected by conflict. Their duties often include monitoring ceasefires, protecting civilians, supporting political processes, and assisting in the rebuilding of governance structures. The term carries the idea of neutrality and mediation. However, as the context suggests, peacekeepers can sometimes become disconnected from local communities, creating challenges in building trust and delivering effective support.
Meaning: Individuals or forces (often international) assigned to maintain peace and prevent conflict in troubled regions (Noun â plural)
Pronunciation: PEES-kee-purz
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From âpeaceâ + âkeeperâ â one who keeps or maintains peace; the modern sense emerged post-World War II, especially with the UN
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a key word in international relations and conflict studies. While it suggests a positive role, always check the contextâpeacekeepers may face criticism for being ineffective, distant, or even exploitative in some missions. Use with nuance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mediators, arbitrators, UN troops, stabilizers, peace monitors
Antonyms: combatants, aggressors, instigators, militants
Usage Examples:
- UN peacekeepers were deployed to monitor the ceasefire between the warring factions.
- Peacekeepers must remain neutral and avoid taking sides in local conflicts.
- The mission failed partly because the peacekeepers were seen as outsiders by the local population.
- Effective communication is essential for peacekeepers to build trust with communities.
Cultural Reference:
"The blue helmets" is a nickname for United Nations peacekeepers, known for wearing distinctive light blue berets or helmets during international missions. â UN Peacekeeping Archives
Think About It:
Can peace truly be kept by external forces, or must it arise from within the communities affected by conflict?
Quick Activity:
Research one UN peacekeeping mission in a specific country. Note its goals, challenges, and public perceptionâwas it effective?
Memory Tip:
Break it down: âpeaceâ + âkeeperâ = someone who keeps the peace. Think of them as neutral guardians in conflict zones.
Real-World Application:
Peacekeepers play a vital role in international diplomacy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian efforts. Understanding their function helps in analyzing global responses to wars, civil unrest, and post-conflict recovery.
Word 2: Posh
Context:
"Foreign peacekeepers often exist in a bubble in the poor countries in which they are deployed; they live in posh compounds, drive fancy vehicles, and distance themselves from locals." - International Affairs Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Posh" is an informal term used to describe something that is elegant, luxurious, or high-classâusually in terms of living conditions, fashion, or lifestyle. It often carries a connotation of exclusivity or wealth and can sometimes imply a sense of being out of touch or overly privileged. In the given context, "posh compounds" refers to the upscale, secure, and comfortable housing provided to peacekeepers, which contrasts sharply with the poverty in the local surroundings, highlighting a divide between the peacekeepers and the local communities.
Meaning: Elegant, luxurious, or stylishly expensive (Adjective â informal)
Pronunciation: posh
Difficulty Level: â Beginner
Etymology: Possibly from early 20th-century British slang, sometimes claimed (incorrectly) to derive from "Port Out, Starboard Home"âreferring to the cooler, more desirable cabin locations on ships to and from India
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word for describing class, luxury, or social distance. Itâs very British in flavor but widely used globally in casual speech. Use it carefullyâsometimes it can imply snobbery or detachment.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: luxurious, elegant, upscale, fancy, classy
Antonyms: shabby, modest, plain, downmarket, simple
Usage Examples:
- They stayed in a posh hotel overlooking the sea during their vacation.
- The charity workers contrasted sharply with the posh lifestyle of the diplomats.
- She wore a posh designer dress to the awards ceremony.
- The embassy was housed in a posh neighborhood far from the cityâs slums.
Cultural Reference:
Victoria Beckham, of the Spice Girls, was famously nicknamed "Posh Spice" for her chic and fashionable personaâcementing the term in pop culture. â British Pop History
Think About It:
Does living in posh conditions create an unconscious barrier between those who help and those who need help?
Quick Activity:
Think of a place or event you consider âposh.â Write 2â3 adjectives that describe what made it feel that wayâwas it dĂ©cor, behavior, exclusivity?
Memory Tip:
âPoshâ sounds like âpolishedââboth suggest something refined and elegant. Think of shiny shoes and chandeliers!
Real-World Application:
In social commentary, âposhâ can highlight class differences and inequality. It's often used to critique situations where resources are unevenly distributed or luxury contrasts with poverty.
Word 3: Grievances
Context:
"A better solution would be bottom-up peacebuilding, which would involve their spending more time working with communities, understanding their grievances and earning their trust, rather than only meeting government officials." - International Affairs Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Grievances" refer to complaints or feelings of resentment about something believed to be wrong, unfair, or unjust. These are often based on experiences of discrimination, exclusion, exploitation, or violence. In the context of peacebuilding, understanding people's grievances is essential to resolving the root causes of conflict. By listening to what communities are upset or hurt aboutâwhether it's lack of representation, economic hardship, or abuse of powerâpeacebuilders can create more effective and inclusive solutions that address real issues instead of just surface symptoms.
Meaning: Complaints or feelings of resentment due to unfair treatment or injustice (Noun â plural)
Pronunciation: GREE-vun-siz
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Old French "grevance" meaning "oppression, suffering"; from Latin "gravare" meaning "to burden"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a strong word often used in conflict resolution, labor rights, and political dialogue. Always connect it to the idea of justice or fairness. Ask yourself: *What is the person or group complaining about, and is it justified?*
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: complaints, protests, objections, injustices, wrongs
Antonyms: contentment, satisfaction, acceptance, praise, harmony
Usage Examples:
- The peace talks failed because the rebelsâ core grievances were not addressed.
- Workers submitted a list of grievances to the management regarding safety conditions.
- Ignoring community grievances can lead to long-term unrest.
- The report detailed the historical grievances of minority groups in the region.
Cultural Reference:
"The Declaration of Independence listed the colonistsâ grievances against the British Crown as justification for revolution." â U.S. History Textbook
Think About It:
Can peace ever be sustainable if grievances are left unheard or unresolved?
Quick Activity:
Think of a time when you had a grievanceâpersonal or social. Write a short sentence on how it was resolved or how you think it should have been handled.
Memory Tip:
âGrievancesâ comes from âgrieveââto feel hurt or burdened. Think: grievances are what people grieve about in society.
Real-World Application:
Grievances are central to justice systems, social movements, and negotiations. Addressing them helps prevent conflict, build trust, and create more equitable policies and communities.
Word 4: Trust
Context:
"A better solution would be bottom-up peacebuilding, which would involve their spending more time working with communities, understanding their grievances and earning their trust, rather than only meeting government officials." - International Affairs Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Trust" is the firm belief or confidence in the reliability, honesty, or integrity of a person, group, or system. It plays a foundational role in human relationships and social structures. In peacebuilding and community engagement, trust must be earned through consistent, respectful, and genuine actions. In the given context, peacebuilders are encouraged to connect directly with communities, understand their needs and concerns, and build authentic relationshipsâbecause without trust, even the best intentions may fail or be misinterpreted.
Meaning: Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something (Noun)
Pronunciation: truhst
Difficulty Level: â Beginner
Etymology: From Old Norse âtraustâ meaning âhelp, confidence, protectionâ; related to the verb âtrustenâ from Middle English
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Trust is one of those simple-sounding but deep words. It applies to everythingârelationships, leadership, business, and governance. In essays, pair it with words like âbuild,â âearn,â or âviolate.â Trust once broken is hard to regainâuse examples wisely!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: confidence, belief, faith, reliance, assurance
Antonyms: distrust, doubt, suspicion, skepticism, uncertainty
Usage Examples:
- The community placed its trust in the peacekeepers after months of dialogue and cooperation.
- She broke his trust by sharing private information without permission.
- Building trust takes time, especially in post-conflict societies.
- Trust between citizens and their government is essential for democracy to function.
Cultural Reference:
"The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them." â Ernest Hemingway, highlighting the cyclical nature of trust-building
Think About It:
Can trust be rebuilt after it's broken? What are the essential steps to restoring trust in personal or public life?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence about a time when you trusted someoneâand it paid off. Then write another about a time when trust was broken. Reflect on what made the difference.
Memory Tip:
Think of âtrustâ as a bridgeâit connects people. Once cracked, it can be rebuilt, but it takes time, support, and repair.
Real-World Application:
Trust is the glue of societyâit enables cooperation, reduces fear, and builds sustainable systems in education, business, governance, and peacebuilding. Without it, systems collapse or face constant tension.
Word 5: Peacebuilding
Context:
"A better solution would be bottom-up peacebuilding, which would involve their spending more time working with communities, understanding their grievances and earning their trust, rather than only meeting government officials." - International Affairs Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Peacebuilding" refers to the long-term process of creating sustainable peace in societies that have experienced conflict or violence. It involves addressing the root causes of conflict, rebuilding institutions, fostering reconciliation, and supporting communities in healing and development. Unlike peacekeeping, which focuses on maintaining peace temporarily, peacebuilding aims to create the conditions for lasting harmony. In this context, "bottom-up peacebuilding" emphasizes working directly with local communities rather than relying solely on high-level diplomacy or official negotiations.
Meaning: The process of creating lasting peace by addressing root causes of conflict and strengthening local capacities for reconciliation and development (Noun)
Pronunciation: PEES-bil-ding
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From âpeaceâ + âbuilding,â indicating the construction or development of peaceful systems and relationships
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a high-utility word in international relations, sociology, and development studies. Remember: peacebuilding â peacekeeping. The former is deeper, slower, and more structural. Ideal for essays on conflict, governance, or community work.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: conflict resolution, reconciliation, post-conflict recovery, peace restoration
Antonyms: war-making, conflict escalation, destabilization, incitement
Usage Examples:
- Effective peacebuilding requires the inclusion of local voices and leadership.
- Education and economic opportunity are crucial tools in the peacebuilding process.
- Peacebuilding goes beyond ceasefiresâit builds the social foundations of harmony.
- The NGO focuses on grassroots peacebuilding initiatives in post-war regions.
Cultural Reference:
"The United Nations identifies peacebuilding as one of its core missions, involving everything from disarmament to reintegration and rebuilding institutions." â UN Peacebuilding Commission
Think About It:
Can peace ever be built from the top down, or must genuine peace always come from within the community?
Quick Activity:
List two actions or policies that could help with peacebuilding in a conflict-prone area. How would they address the root causes?
Memory Tip:
Think of "peacebuilding" like constructing a houseâyou need a strong foundation (justice, inclusion, trust) for peace to last.
Real-World Application:
Peacebuilding is used globally in post-conflict countries to rebuild trust, governance, and opportunity. It's also relevant in local settingsâschools, workplaces, or communitiesâwhere sustained harmony requires intentional work and dialogue.
