International Relations

Question 1

BASIC Countries

Answer 1

The BASIC group was formed as the result of an agreement signed by the four countries on November 28, 2009.
• They are a bloc of four large newly industrialized countries – Brazil, South Africa, India and China.
• The four countries committed ➔
o To act together at the Copenhagen Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2009.
o Stand at a common position on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and raising the massive funds that are needed to fight climate change.
• The BASIC countries also constituted one of the main parties in the Copenhagen Accord reached with the US-led grouping. However, the accord was not legally binding.

Question 2

G-77

Answer 2

• Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations. It was established in 1964 by 77 developing countries.
• Aim ➔ To promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations and promote South-South cooperation for development.
• Members ➔ The members of G-77 have increased to 134 countries. However, the original name was retained due to its historic significance. India is one of the members of the G77.

Question 3

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)

Answer 3

UNAMA is a UN Special Political Mission established to assist the state and the people of Afghanistan in laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development.
• Established in ➔ UNAMA was established in 2002 by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1401.
• Mandate ➔ Its original mandate was to support the implementation of the Bonn Agreement. Reviewed annually, this mandate has been altered over time to reflect the needs of Afghanistan.
o Bonn Agreement was the initial series of agreements passed in 2001 and intended to recreate the State of Afghanistan following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.