Embarking on the journey to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a formidable task, and choosing the right optional subject can significantly impact one’s success. For aspirants opting for Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), a thorough understanding of key concepts in International Relations is paramount. In this blog series, we delve into the previous year questions specifically related to the PSIR optional paper, focusing on the crucial topic of International Relations. From the year 2013 to 2023, we meticulously analyze the questions posed by the UPSC in the Mains examination, unraveling the underlying themes and trends. By exploring these questions, aspirants can gain valuable insights into the examination pattern, identify recurring concepts, and refine their preparation strategies to enhance their chances of success in this highly competitive arena.
The PSIR optional paper demands a nuanced comprehension of global affairs, diplomatic relations, and geopolitical dynamics. This blog series aims to serve as a comprehensive guide, systematically breaking down the questions that have been asked in the past decade. Through detailed analysis and discussion, we aim to demystify the key concepts in International Relations and equip aspirants with the knowledge and insights needed to tackle similar questions in their UPSC Mains examination. Whether you are a seasoned aspirant seeking a strategic review of your preparation or a beginner navigating the intricate landscape of PSIR, join us on this exploration of the UPSC PSIR Optional Topic – Wise Previous Year Questions in the Mains examination, with a specific focus on the vital realm of International Relations.
Key concepts in International Relations – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)
National Interest
1. Comment: National Interest and Capability. (1993)
2. Comment: National Interest and Ideology. (1999)
3. Comment: The realist vision of ‘national interest’. (2004)
4. Should National Interest be viewed as a constant category or is it situation- specific? Bring out your perspective. (2010)
5. National Interests are Dynamic’. Identify the contemporary world politics with suitable examples. (200 words) (2013)
6. Explain the instruments and methods devised for the promotion of national interest. (2016)
7. National Interest is an essentially contested concept. Comment.(2022)
Security and Power
1. One cannot understand the international politics of arms control without taking into account the domestic political forces which have a stake in maintaining large defence expenditure. Analyse these force which help in promoting international arms races. (1993)
2. Comment: Effective government as a source of national power. (1997)
3. Comment: Power. (1998)
4. Comment: Information Technology – an element of national power. (2000)
5. “International politics, like all politics is a struggle for power.” Comment. (2000)
6. Comment: Changing nature and dynamics of national security. (2002)
7. Discuss various elements and limitations of national power. (2002)
8. Comment: “International politics, like all politics, is a struggle for power. (2006)
9. Explain the difference between security dilemma and insecurity dilemma. (2008)
10. Explain the concept of ‘Hegemonic stability’. (2008)
11. Examine the changing nature of security in the recent times. (2010)
12. What is comprehensive approach to national security? (2011)
13. Do you agree with the view that over-widening of the concept of ‘national security’ has made it a more amorphous concept? Discuss. (2011)
14. Is ‘terrorism’ an essentially ‘contested’ concept? What are the different manifestations of ‘terrorism’ as a concept, and as practice? (250 words) (2012)
15. What constitutes ‘national security discourses’? How far have the IR Feminists questioned how ‘security’ has been problematised? (200 words) (2012)
16. Is power a zero – sum or variable game in international relations? Can zero – sum game explain the mixture of conflict and cooperation of the present dynamics of international relations? (250 words) (2012)
17. Examine the idea of a ‘balance’ between ‘security’ and ‘liberty’ in modern international politics. Do you think the liberal international order is more ‘security – friendly? (250 words) (2012)
18. Critically assess the changing nature of the concept of national security. (2014)
19. How has the electrol democracy augmented the participation of people in the democratic process?(2022)
20. Discuss the conceptual dimensions of collective security.(2022)
Balance of Power and deterrence
1. Define Alliance. What is the role of Alliances in power politics? Discuss the relevance of Alliance in a nuclear age. (1992)
2. Explain the essential rules of the balance of power system and evaluate the role which balance of power plays in the stability of the global order in a multi-polar system. (1993)
3. “The relations of the Balance of Power to Collective Security have been at the same time complementary and antagonistic.” Elucidate. (1997)
4. Comment: Alliances. (1998)
5. Comment: Balance of power and its impact on world politics. (2003)
6. Why is the ‘polarity of power’ thesis less relevant and meaningful in the present architecture of ‘balance of power’? (150 words) (2012)
7. How would you explain the future of ‘Nuclear Deterrence’? Do you think that ‘preventive war’ is a good substitute for Nuclear Deterrence? (250 words) (2012)
8. Discuss the theory of Nuclear Deterrence. Did Nuclear Deterrence prevent a superpower war? (2015)
9. “The notion of balance of power is notoriously full of confusion.” In the light of this quotation, do you think that the concept of balance of power is relevant? (2016)
10. Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory in the context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan. (2019)
11. Identify the benefits of a multi-polar world. (2019)
12. Explain the concept of balance of power. What are the various techniques of maintaining balance of power? (2020)
Transnational actors and collective security
1. Comment: Council for Security Cooperation in Asia Pacific. (1995)
2. “A well-established system of collective globalization security is a guarantee of world peace.” Explain. (2006)
3. Explain the meaning and application of the concept of ‘strategic engagement’. (2010)
4. Assess in detail the prospects of the emergence of a nuclear-weapons free world. (2010)
5. Review the increasing role of Multi-National Corporations in the policy making process of developing countries. (150 words) (2012)
6. “Transnational actors have become driving forces of global politics.” Elaborate. (200 words)(2013)
7. ‘Collective Security and Collective Defence are the institutional and State mechanisms to sustain the domination of powers that be in International politics.’ Elaborate. (2013)
8. How do you explain the growing importance of multi-national corporations (MNCs) and civil society in contemporary international politics? (2014)
9. Discuss the changing nature of modern state with reference to transnational actors. (2017)
10. “Some feel Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are a vital new road to economic growth, whereas others feel they perpetuate under development.” Discuss. (2018)
11. Enumerate the challenges in the operation of the principles related to collective security in the UN Charter. (2020)
12. What is ‘complex interdependence’? Discuss the role of transnational actors in the international system. (2021)
13. Discuss the role of social movements in strengthening the democratic processess in developing societies.(2022)
World Capitalist economy and globalization
1. How has the development of Global Capitalism changed the nature of socialist economies and developing societies? (2017)
Diplomacy
1. Comment: Open versus Secret Diplomacy. (1992)
2. Diplomacy is not only a technique of foreign policy implementation, but also an instrument by which other techniques-military and economic- can be successfully deployed. Discuss the significance of diplomacy in the conduct of foreign relations. (1994)
3. Comment: Relevance of Diplomacy in the Nuclear Age. (1999)
4. Comment: Summit Diplomacy. (2000)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the fundamental key concepts in International Relations?
Understanding International Relations involves grasping key concepts such as sovereignty, state, power, diplomacy, and globalization. These concepts form the foundation of analyzing interactions between states and other global actors, providing a framework for comprehending the complexities of the international system.
Q: How does the concept of ‘Power’ influence international relations?
Power is a central concept in International Relations, influencing the behavior of states and shaping global dynamics. This FAQ delves into the various dimensions of power—military, economic, and soft power—and explores how nations leverage these elements to secure their interests and navigate the international arena.
Q: What role does ‘Diplomacy’ play in International Relations?
Diplomacy serves as a crucial tool for states to manage conflicts, negotiate agreements, and foster international cooperation. This FAQ explores the principles of diplomacy, the role of diplomats, and the impact of diplomatic strategies on shaping international relations.
Q: How has ‘Globalization’ transformed the landscape of International Relations?
Globalization has emerged as a defining force in the contemporary world, intertwining economies, cultures, and political systems. This FAQ investigates the multifaceted impact of globalization on state sovereignty, economic interdependence, and the emergence of global issues that transcend national boundaries.
Q: Why is the concept of ‘Sovereignty’ significant in International Relations?
Sovereignty, the principle of state authority over its territory and people, plays a critical role in shaping state interactions. This FAQ delves into the nuances of sovereignty, exploring its historical evolution, contemporary challenges, and the tension between state autonomy and global governance in the context of International Relations.
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