📋 Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis Guide
🌍 Topic: Should Military Alliances Be Replaced by Economic Alliances in the Future?
📖 Understanding the Topic’s Importance
💡 Military and economic alliances represent the twin pillars of international relations. Analyzing this transition addresses questions of resource allocation, global stability, and sustainable growth—critical themes for B-school essays.
🕒 Effective Planning and Writing
- ⏱️ Time Allocation:
- Planning: 5 minutes
- Writing: 20 minutes
- Review: 5 minutes
- 📚 Preparation Tips:
- Note key examples, global comparisons, and statistics.
- Understand the objectives and outcomes of military alliances (e.g., NATO) and economic partnerships (e.g., ASEAN, RCEP).
✍️ Introduction Techniques for Essays
- ⚖️ Contrast Approach:
“While NATO symbolizes collective defense, ASEAN embodies collective growth. This juxtaposition raises an essential question: Should military alliances pave the way for economic integration?”
- 📜 Timeline Approach:
“From NATO’s post-war establishment to RCEP’s recent economic integration, alliances have evolved, reflecting changing global priorities.”
📚 Structuring the Essay Body
- 🏆 Achievements:
- Military alliances deter conflicts, as evidenced by NATO’s role in maintaining stability during the Cold War.
- Economic blocs like ASEAN and the European Union (EU) have accelerated trade, development, and regional growth.
- ⚠️ Challenges:
- Inefficiencies and costs associated with military alliances, such as defense spending burdens on member states.
- Political volatility in economic partnerships, where disagreements can undermine collective growth (e.g., Brexit).
- 🌏 Future Outlook:
“Advocate for hybrid models balancing security needs with economic interdependence, leveraging the strengths of both types of alliances.”
🔑 Concluding Effectively
- ⚖️ Balanced Conclusion:
“Replacing military alliances with economic alliances must ensure security gaps are addressed while maximizing economic benefits.”
- 🌍 Future-Focused Conclusion:
“The future of alliances lies in creating synergies between defense readiness and economic integration.”
🌱 Recommendations for Sustainable Progress
- 🤝 Hybrid Models: Integrate economic and defense priorities, as seen in agreements like USMCA, which address trade and security.
- 🔍 Technology Focus: Leverage AI and cybersecurity as neutral domains for global collaboration, merging security and economic benefits.
📄 Sample Short Essays
- ⚖️ Balanced Perspective:
“Military alliances have safeguarded peace, but economic alliances ensure stability. Both must coexist to address modern global challenges.”
- 💡 Solution-Oriented:
“The transition to economic alliances must involve safeguards against security risks, with a focus on global economic equality.”
- 🌏 Global Comparison:
“ASEAN’s economic success and NATO’s defense efficiency highlight the potential for hybrid alliances.”