Benefits:
1. International Prestige: Enhances a country’s global reputation and capabilities.
2. Diplomatic Opportunities: Facilitates sports diplomacy and international cooperation.
3. Infrastructure Development: Spurs construction of stadiums, transport, and accommodation.
4. Economic Stimulus: Boosts tourism, investment, and job creation.
5. National Unity: Fosters patriotism and social cohesion among citizens.

Drawbacks:
1. Financial Burden: Imposes hefty costs on infrastructure and organization.
2. Security Concerns: Strains security resources and poses terrorism risks.
3. Political Controversy: Sparks protests, boycotts, and criticism.
4. Environmental Impact: Causes habitat destruction and pollution.
5. Legacy Issues: Leaves underutilized infrastructure and maintenance costs.

The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was an American initiative launched in 1948 to aid the economic recovery of Western Europe after World War II. Named after U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the plan aimed to rebuild war-torn European economies, promote economic stability, and prevent the spread of communism in the region.

Under the Marshall Plan, the United States provided financial assistance, technical expertise, and resources to European countries to help them rebuild their infrastructure, industries, and economies. Over the course of four years, from 1948 to 1952, the United States allocated around $13 billion (equivalent to approximately $150 billion in today’s dollars) in economic aid to Western European countries, including France, the United Kingdom, West Germany, Italy, and others.

The Marshall Plan played a crucial role in revitalizing European economies, fostering economic growth, and promoting stability and prosperity in the aftermath of World War II. It also helped strengthen ties between the United States and its European allies and contributed to the containment of Soviet influence in Europe during the early years of the Cold War. Overall, the Marshall Plan is widely regarded as one of the most successful foreign aid programs in history and a significant milestone in the post-war reconstruction of Europe.

‘Soft power’ in international relations refers to the ability of a country to influence others through non-coercive means, such as culture, diplomacy, education, and economic cooperation, rather than through military force or economic coercion. It is the ability to shape the preferences and behavior of other countries through attraction and persuasion rather than through explicit threats or inducements. Soft power is often associated with a country’s cultural influence, including its language, art, literature, music, film, and values, as well as its diplomatic efforts, international aid programs, and economic partnerships. Countries that possess significant soft power are able to exert influence and advance their interests in the global arena by projecting a positive image, building trust and goodwill, and garnering support for their policies and objectives. Soft power complements hard power, which refers to a country’s military and economic strength, and is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in achieving foreign policy objectives in an interconnected and interdependent world.

One example of a country with a non-hereditary elective monarchy is Malaysia. Malaysia operates under a unique system known as a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch is elected from among the traditional rulers of the nine Malay states. These traditional rulers, known as Sultans, take turns serving as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or King, for a five-year term. The selection process follows a rotational system based on seniority among the Sultans. While the position of King is not hereditary, it is elective and rotates among the Sultans, providing each state with an opportunity to have its ruler serve as the head of state at some point.