Navigating through the intricate landscape of UPSC Main Examination preparation, one of the crucial elements for success lies in a comprehensive understanding of the optional subjects. Among them, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) stands out as a popular choice for aspirants aiming to crack the coveted UPSC exams. In this blog series, we delve into the PSIR optional topic of Non-Alignment Movement, focusing on the previous year questions spanning from 2013 to 2023. The Non-Alignment Movement holds significant importance in the realm of international relations, showcasing India’s historical stance of neutrality during the Cold War. Aspirants can gain valuable insights into the evolution of this diplomatic strategy and its implications on global politics by examining the questions asked in the UPSC mains over the past decade.
This series aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for UPSC PSIR optional candidates, offering a structured analysis of each question, key themes, and evolving trends. By dissecting the Non-Alignment Movement questions over the years, aspirants can not only enhance their conceptual understanding but also sharpen their analytical skills, essential for excelling in the dynamic landscape of UPSC examinations. Join us on this intellectual journey as we unravel the intricacies of Non-Alignment Movement through the lens of previous year questions, empowering UPSC aspirants with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate this challenging subject with confidence and precision.
Non-Alignment Movement – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains PSIR Optional)
Different phases; Current role.
1. Comment: India and the Bandung Conference: Hope and Reality. (2001)
2. Has the Non-Aligned Movement lost its relevance in the present-day situation and how has India evolved its foreign policy goals to the changing international scenario? (2001)
3. Discuss India’s contribution to the growth and development of the Non-Aligned Movement.(2002)
4. Critically examine the view that in the post-Cold War era, Indian policy of non-alignment has become irrelevant. (2003)
5. What were the major determinants of India’s Foreign Policy of Non-alignment? Indicate the changes in India’s Foreign Policy since the 1990’s. (2004)
6. Comment: India as leader of Non-Aligned movement. (2005)
7. Comment: Give a critical estimate of India’s role in the Non-Aligned Movement. (2006)
8. Comment: Was there any domestic sociopolitical basis for India to pursue the policy of non- alignment? (2007)
9. Explain and elucidate the implication of the statement: “India’s policy of non-alignment was based on both idealist and realism calculations.” (2011)
10. “India’s policy of non-alignment has been guided by the genius of the Indian people and their interests.” Explain. (2014)
11. ‘Non-alignment’ has been the basic principle of India’s foreign policy since independence. Discuss its relevance in the contemporary context. (2015)
12. Comment on India’s contribution to Non-Alignment Movement and its contemporary relevance. (2016)
13. Compare and contrast Non-alignment 1.0 with Non-alignment 2.0. (2019)
14. “Non-alignment was little more than a rational strategy on the part of a materially weak India to maximise its interests with a bipolar distribution of global power.” Comment. (2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)?
The Non-Alignment Movement is a diplomatic strategy adopted by nations to remain neutral and avoid aligning with any major power bloc during the Cold War. It emerged in the mid-20th century and gained prominence as countries sought to maintain their sovereignty while navigating the ideological divide between the Western bloc led by the United States and the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union.
Q: When and why did the Non-Alignment Movement originate?
The Non-Alignment Movement originated in 1961 during the Belgrade Summit, where leaders from newly independent nations, including India’s Jawaharlal Nehru, Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Yugoslavia’s Josip Broz Tito, came together. The primary goal was to create a platform for countries to pursue independent foreign policies, free from the influence of the Cold War superpowers, and to promote global peace and cooperation.
Q: How did India contribute to the Non-Alignment Movement?
India played a crucial role in shaping the Non-Alignment Movement, being one of its founding members. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized the importance of maintaining autonomy in foreign affairs and fostering economic and political cooperation among non-aligned nations. India’s commitment to NAM principles has had a lasting impact on its foreign policy and global standing.
Q: Did the Non-Alignment Movement achieve its objectives?
The success of the Non-Alignment Movement is a subject of debate. While it provided a platform for developing countries to assert their independence, some argue that changing geopolitical dynamics and the end of the Cold War diminished its relevance. Assessing the movement’s achievements requires considering its impact on global diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the socio-economic development of member nations.
Q: How has the Non-Alignment Movement evolved over the years?
Since its inception, the Non-Alignment Movement has undergone changes to adapt to the evolving international scenario. With the end of the Cold War and the emergence of new geopolitical challenges, the movement has faced criticism for being less cohesive. Understanding the evolution of NAM is essential to grasp its contemporary relevance and the role it plays in shaping the foreign policies of participating nations.
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