Correct option is A
The correct answer is
(a) (A) and (B) Only. Here’s the explanation for each statement:
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Statement (A): Correct.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance formed in 1949 for the collective defense of Western countries, primarily led by the United States. Its purpose was to counter the influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
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Statement (B): Correct. The
Warsaw Pact was created in 1955 by the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies as a military alliance to counter NATO. It aimed to consolidate the Soviet sphere of influence in Eastern Europe and to provide a unified defense strategy.
The remaining statements are incorrect:
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Statement (C): Incorrect.
SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) was established in 1985 to promote economic and regional integration among South Asian countries. It is not a security organization, as its primary focus is on economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and social development.
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Statement (D): Incorrect.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is primarily an economic and political organization aimed at promoting regional cooperation, economic growth, and stability among Southeast Asian countries. Although it has some initiatives on regional security, it is not a security organization by definition.
·
Statement (E): Incorrect. The
European Union (EU) was created to foster economic integration and political cooperation in Europe, primarily for economic and social benefits. While the EU has common foreign and security policies, it was not created solely for Europe’s security, unlike NATO.
Information Booster
1.
NATO: Formed in 1949, NATO's primary purpose is collective security, meaning an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
2.
Warsaw Pact: Dissolved in 1991 after the Cold War, the Warsaw Pact represented the Eastern Bloc's military response to NATO.
3.
SAARC: Founded to promote economic and regional integration; SAARC focuses on cooperation in areas like trade, technology, and development, not defense.
4.
ASEAN: Established in 1967, ASEAN emphasizes economic cooperation and political stability in Southeast Asia, with limited focus on security.
5.
European Union: Originally the European Economic Community (EEC), the EU evolved to facilitate economic unity in Europe, and while it includes foreign policy initiatives, it does not function as a defense pact.