PSIR Paper 2 · PYQ Skeletons
UPSC CSE Mains · Optional · PSIR Paper 2

PSIR Paper 2 — every PYQ, with answer skeletons

Comparative Politics, International Relations & India and the World. Each previous-year question (2016–2025) with a bulleted skeleton to check your answer against and cover the syllabus.

280questions
10years
2016–25covered
Attempt the question first, then check it against the bulleted skeleton: green = how to open, indigo = body points (scholars & data), violet = how to close, rose = thinkers / cases / Articles to cite.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2025

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Discuss the psychological approach to the study of comparative politics.
1(b)[10m] Neo-liberalism lightened neo-realism's dark view of international politics. Comment.
1(c)[10m] Explain the non-traditional security threats in the context of food and environmental crises.
1(d)[10m] Discuss the political socialization of open and closed societies.
1(e)[10m] Comment on the Red Lipstick Movement in the context of feminist rights.
2(a)[20m] The world currently has been in the throes of a twin process of 'democratic backsliding' and 'democratic backlash'. How would you explain this paradox?
2(b)[15m] The withdrawal of the United States of America from the World Health Organization is set to have far-reaching impacts on global health. Reimagining the existing WHO is vital for the global health agenda. Discuss.
2(c)[15m] Transnational actors have qualitatively transformed the world by the way of their fresh insights and actions. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
3(a)[20m] Of late, centrist and centre-left political parties have been facing setbacks while centre-right parties have been in ascendency the world over. Comment.
3(b)[15m] Collective security and responsibility to protect (R2P) are similar but different in scope, goals and methods. Explain.
3(c)[15m] Global South-sensitive model of globalization would prevent the danger emanating from overcentralized globalization. Discuss.
4(a)[20m] Latin America has made moderate success in countering US-led global economic order by framing various organizations emphasizing regional sovereignty, economic integration and alternative development. Discuss.
4(b)[15m] How successful has the 'ASEAN Plus Three' been in addressing regional problems? Support your answer with specific examples.
4(c)[15m] Trump's return to the White House is a jolt to push the European Union to invest in its own defence and economic and technological revival. Comment.
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] China's growing footprint and a tangible shift in power dynamics in Bangladesh has weakened India's leverage in Dhaka. Comment.
5(b)[10m] Would you agree with the contention that India's inclination to lean on a 'more aggressive hyper-realist posture' has gained a new momentum in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist strike? Comment.
5(c)[10m] For India, a multipolar world order would also mean a multipolar Asia. Comment.
5(d)[10m] Does the Non-Aligned Movement have any future in the wake of India's growing indifference towards it?
5(e)[10m] Historical ties between India and Japan grew into a 'special strategic and global partnership'. Comment.
6(a)[20m] Critically analyze the different phases of India's foreign policy since independence. How justified is S. Jaishankar's classification of the current phase as the phase of 'energetic diplomacy'?
6(b)[15m] India maintains strong ties with countries that will assure a free and open Indo-Pacific and guarantee greater connectivity with rest of the world. Analyze.
6(c)[15m] The tariff threats have pushed India and the European Union closer. Evaluate the India-EU partnership.
7(a)[20m] India continues to invoke its time-tested policy of strategic autonomy vis-a-vis both the United States of America and Russia by rejecting US offer of mediation on Kashmir issue and by refusing to criticize Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Comment.
7(b)[15m] Trump's unilateral imposition of reciprocal tariffs on scores of countries poses impending threat to the future of the rule-based multilateral global trading system under the WTO. What options do the WTO members have to salvage the organization?
7(c)[15m] NonAlignment 2.0 underscores India's unique aspiration to emerge as a site for an alternative universality. Comment
8(a)[20m] India's reluctance to perceive any existential threat inevitably made the multilateral path to nuclear security a default option until it decided to cross nuclear Rubicon in 1998. Identify and analyze major reasons behind this shift in India's position on the nuclear question.
8(b)[15m] Discuss some key drivers of India's new interests in Africa which might help in developing long-term comparative advantage over China.
8(c)[15m] Discuss the potential role India can play in initiating a possible phase of trilateral economic engagement among India, China and Nepal.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2024

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Discuss the interpretive approach to the study of comparative politics.
1(b)[10m] Explain the central tenets of the World-Systems Theory.
1(c)[10m] The expansionist tendencies of the current Russian regime indicate its intentions for the realisation of a Greater Russia on the lines of the Soviet era. Comment.
1(d)[10m] Explain the various facets of the idealist approach to the study of international relations. Comment on its contemporary relevance.
1(e)[10m] The changing global order and ongoing regional conflicts, with the global powers taking sides, have jeopardised the progress made towards disarmament in the past. Comment.
2(a)[20m] Deglobalisation is displacing globalisation. Comment.
2(b)[15m] What are the distinctive features of the post-modern state in the advanced capitalist economies? Analyse.
2(c)[15m] What were the limitations of NAFTA? How did its replacement by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement counter them? Explain.
3(a)[20m] Discuss the major recent social movements related to the physical rights of women in various countries of the world.
3(b)[15m] Critically examine the role of political parties in sustaining and stabilising democracies in the developing societies.
3(c)[15m] Do you agree with the view that the USA uses NATO as a traditional tool of strategy to perpetuate its hegemony in the world?
4(a)[20m] The Gramscian theory of hegemony provides many valuable insights into the nature of global power. Comment.
4(b)[15m] The return of trade barriers and economic sanctions has diminished the spirit of GATT. Discuss the factors contributing to the decline of WTO in recent times.
4(c)[15m] Do you agree with the view that the EU has thus far proved to be the most successful experiment in the regional integration processes? Account for its successes and recent challenges.
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] India must strive to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC, rather than a permanent member without the right to veto. Comment.
5(b)[10m] Bhutan has historically been an ally of India, but the China-Bhutan border related issues have become a security issue for India. Discuss.
5(c)[10m] Nothing is going to move within the WTO negotiations unless India is on board. Discuss the main reasons behind India's increased clout in the WTO.
5(d)[10m] Discuss the rationale behind replacing the Asia-Pacific strategy with the new term Indo-Pacific strategy.
5(e)[10m] Despite deep ties, India's relations with Sri Lanka have seen strains due to China's growing influence in Sri Lanka through investments and economic dominance. Analyse.
6(a)[20m] Would you concur with the view that of late, India's foreign policy has been in a transition mode from Nehruvianism to Neoliberalism? Support with examples.
6(b)[15m] Does the idea of the 21st century as Asian century continue to remain feasible given the growing friction between India and China?
6(c)[15m] Discuss the potential role that India could play as the leader of the Global South in realising the goal of establishing a new international economic order in the 21st century.
7(a)[20m] Discuss the future of SAARC in the light of India's increased focus on other regional groupings like ASEAN and BIMSTEC.
7(b)[15m] Critically examine India's persistent refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) despite being recognized as a de-facto nuclear power.
7(c)[15m] India and USA have become such strong strategic partners that they need not become formal allies. Comment.
8(a)[20m] Critically examine the continuity and change in India's Palestine policy in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.
8(b)[15m] Discuss the implications of the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar by the Indian Government on the complex ethno-political dynamics of the north-eastern region.
8(c)[15m] India has of late, chosen to debunk non-alignment in its pursuit of multi-alignment. Comment.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2023

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in Comparative Politics?
1(b)[10m] What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States?
1(c)[10m] How does democratic politics construct citizenship?
1(d)[10m] What is the structure and functions of International Court of Justice?
1(e)[10m] Discuss the structure and functions of UN Security Council.
2(a)[20m] Discuss the relevance of the normative ethos of the Non-Aligned Movement in magnifying India's soft power in pursuit of her national interest.
2(b)[15m] In what ways does the functionalist approach in International relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics?
2(c)[15m] How does the regime change and political crisis in Myanmar threaten regional security and peace?
3(a)[20m] During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a 'Third Force' in world politics, but failed because it was too large and unwieldy. Discuss.
3(b)[15m] Account for the rise of European Union as a highly influential regional organisation.
3(c)[15m] Narrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate with examples.
4(a)[20m] Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world.
4(b)[15m] What do you mean by offensive and defensive realism?
4(c)[15m] Discuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which are likely to become more prominent in future?
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] Explain major features of India's Foreign Policy in the 21st century.
5(b)[10m] What are the reasons for lack of regionness in South Asia?
5(c)[10m] Why is the compromise reached at WTO regarding the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing not a TRIPS waiver?
5(d)[10m] Why do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain a major impediment to regional cooperation in South Asia?
5(e)[10m] What diplomatic steps has India taken to articulate the interests of the Global South in International Politics?
6(a)[20m] Arms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India-Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment.
6(b)[15m] Discuss the importance of India's role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UNSC.
6(c)[15m] Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in Indo-Pacific strategy to counter Chinese ambitions. Examine.
7(a)[20m] India's Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and pragmatic foreign policy. Discuss.
7(b)[15m] What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover?
7(c)[15m] What are the challenges and limitations in India-Iran relations?
8(a)[20m] What are the external determinants of the Foreign Policy of a State?
8(b)[15m] Discuss the significance of West Asia Quad in the light of India's Look West policy.
8(c)[15m] Discuss the major drivers of India's interests in Africa.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2022

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Discuss the main limitations of the comparative method to the study of Political Science.
1(b)[10m] What are the main challenges faced by the developing countries in the era of globalisation?
1(c)[10m] Discuss the commonalities between the Marxist and Realist approach to the study of International Politics.
1(d)[10m] Bipolar structure of the world is more stable than the multipolar one. Comment.
1(e)[10m] National Interest is an essentially contested concept. Comment.
2(a)[20m] How has the electoral democracy augmented the participation of people in the democratic process?
2(b)[15m] Discuss the role of social movements in strengthening the democratic processes in developing societies.
2(c)[15m] Describe the composition of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Discuss its voluntary jurisdiction.
3(a)[20m] Critically examine the rise of People's Republic of China (PRC) as a great power and its implications on Asian Political order.
3(b)[15m] Discuss the conceptual dimensions of collective security.
3(c)[15m] Discuss the efficacy of global conventions to combat international terrorism.
4(a)[20m] Identify and evaluate the reasons for deadlock in the WTO negotiations on fisheries between the developing and developed countries.
4(b)[15m] What is the realist prescription to the States to ensure their survival in an anarchical world?
4(c)[15m] Russian-Ukraine crisis has cast a dark shadow on the energy needs of the member states of the European Union (EU). Comment.
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India's foreign policy. Comment.
5(b)[10m] Discuss the ways and means to realise greater economic co-operation among the Member States of South Asia.
5(c)[10m] Discuss the steps required to realise hydro-co-operation between India and Bangladesh.
5(d)[10m] Explain the significance of Basic Exchange and Co-operation Agreement (BECA) for Indo-US strategic relations.
5(e)[10m] Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India's global standing.
6(a)[20m] Discuss the relevance of the demand for New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the present era of globalisation.
6(b)[15m] Critically examine the major factors responsible for a turnaround in the trajectory of India's foreign policy in the post-cold war period.
6(c)[15m] Discuss the reasons behind India's refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT).
7(a)[20m] What are the main drivers of India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership?
7(b)[15m] What are the implications of Look-East Policy on the north-eastern region of India?
7(c)[15m] Explain the factors which justify India's claim for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
8(a)[20m] How does India-Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India's foreign policy choices?
8(b)[15m] Discuss the consequences of illegal cross-border migration in India's north-eastern region.
8(c)[15m] Discuss India's vision of a New World order in the 21st century.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2021

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Discuss the political economy approach to the comparative analysis of politics.
1(b)[10m] Political parties and pressure groups are sine qua non of democracy. Comment.
1(c)[10m] Marxist approach to the study of international relations has lost its relevance in the post-cold war era. Comment.
1(d)[10m] What measures have been undertaken by the United Nations for its reforms?
1(e)[10m] Discuss the five proposals made by India in the recent COP-26 conference held in Glasgow.
2(a)[20m] The post-colonial state was thought of an entity that stood outside and above society as an autonomous agency. Explain.
2(b)[15m] Discuss the emergence of neo-realism and its basic tenets.
2(c)[15m] What is complex interdependence? Discuss the role of transnational actors in the international system.
3(a)[20m] Explain the impact of electoral systems and cleavages in shaping party systems with reference to developing countries.
3(b)[15m] What is globalisation? Why is there an intense debate about globalisation and its consequences?
3(c)[15m] Critically examine the decline of the United States of America as a hegemon and its implications for the changing international political order.
4(a)[20m] The modernization thesis asserts that affluence breeds stable democracy. How do you explain the success of India being the world's largest democracy as an exceptional case?
4(b)[15m] Explain the success of ASEAN as a regional organisation.
4(c)[15m] Explain India's relations with the European Union in the context of Brexit.
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] Discuss the strategic implications of India's Look East Policy transforming into Act East Policy.
5(b)[10m] Explain the philosophical foundations of India's foreign policy.
5(c)[10m] Explain India's position on the waiver of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines in WTO.
5(d)[10m] Write about the growing significance of QUAD.
5(e)[10m] How does the recent takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban impact India's strategic interests?
6(a)[20m] 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.
6(b)[15m] Examine the geo-strategic points of contention in the bilateral relationship between India and China.
6(c)[15m] Write a brief analysis of the ethnic conflicts and cross-border migrations along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders.
7(a)[20m] Why South Asia is considered as the world's politically and economically least integrated region? Explain.
7(b)[15m] How do the constituent states influence the foreign policy making process in India?
7(c)[15m] Examine the evolution of India's role in the global nuclear order.
8(a)[20m] Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. Discuss.
8(b)[15m] Discuss the Sustainable Development Goals as set by the United Nations.
8(c)[15m] Identify the drivers of India's new interest in Africa.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2020

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Discuss the subject matter of comparative politics. Outline the limitations of comparative political analysis.
1(b)[10m] Analyze the contribution of liberal democratic principles in the democratization of Indian polity.
1(c)[10m] Has the increased participation of the underprivileged in the political process of the developing societies strengthened democracy or created political chaos and conflict? Comment.
1(d)[10m] Critically examine the impact of the process of globalization from the perspective of the countries of the Global South.
1(e)[10m] What are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study International Relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace building.
2(a)[20m] Explain the concept of balance of power. What are the various techniques of maintaining balance of power?
2(b)[15m] Enumerate the challenges in the operation of the principles related to collective security in the UN Charter.
2(c)[15m] Critically analyze the implications of Sino-American strategic rivalry for the South and South-East Asian region.
3(a)[20m] Discuss the ways to strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to enable it to address the challenges faced by the developing countries.
3(b)[15m] Critically evaluate the role of the United States of America in the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and its implications for the future of the WTO.
3(c)[15m] Explain the significance and importance of the demand raised by the developing countries for a New International Economic Order (NIEO). Are they likely to achieve their objectives?
4(a)[20m] Discuss the significance and urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the relevance of reform proposals by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for developing countries.
4(b)[15m] Critically analyze the role of ASEAN in the promotion of regional peace and security through economic cooperation and trade.
4(c)[15m] Examine the role of UNFCCC and other major efforts by the UN to address the global environmental crisis.
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] Describe the structure and function of the National Security Council of India. What role does it play in formulation of Indian foreign policy?
5(b)[10m] Outline the reasons of low volume of trade in the SAARC region.
5(c)[10m] Analyze the impact of hydropolitics on Indo-Bangladesh relations.
5(d)[10m] Discuss the future prospects of Indo-Nepal relations in the context of the recent publication of new Nepalese map wrongly claiming Indian territory.
5(e)[10m] How does cross-border terrorism impede the achievements of peace and security in South Asia?
6(a)[20m] How do the guiding principles of India-Africa relations seek to enhance harmony and mutual cooperation between India and Africa?
6(b)[15m] What are the notable features of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between India and Japan? How is it likely to address the security concerns of India?
6(c)[15m] Discuss the significance of Indo-US strategic partnership and its implications for India's security and national defence.
7(a)[20m] Explain the defence and foreign policy options of India to address challenges emerging out of the India-China standoff at the LAC.
7(b)[15m] Explain the importance of India's claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
7(c)[15m] Discuss the efficacy of India's no first use policy in the context of evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours.
8(a)[20m] The war in Afghanistan is crucial from the point of view of India's national security. If Americans withdraw and Jihadis emerge with triumphalism, India will face increasing onslaught of terrorism. Comment.
8(b)[15m] Identify key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening bilateral ties.
8(c)[15m] Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2019

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory in the context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan.
1(b)[10m] Write a brief note on the 17th NAM Summit in Venezuela.
1(c)[10m] In what way does the predominance of the USA in the UN funding affect its decision-making?
1(d)[10m] Evaluate the role of BIMSTEC in multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation.
1(e)[10m] Do you think that sustainable development goals are really attainable by 2030?
2(a)[20m] Examine the significance of the comparative method in political analysis. Discuss its limitations.
2(b)[15m] Explain the reasons for low voter turnout in democratic countries with suitable examples.
2(c)[15m] Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State disputes.
3(a)[20m] Explain the relevance of the Marxist approach in the context of globalization.
3(b)[15m] Identify the benefits of a multi-polar world.
3(c)[15m] Discuss the importance of personal data protection in the context of human rights.
4(a)[20m] How are the rising powers challenging the USA and Western dominance in the IMF and the World Bank?
4(b)[15m] Write an essay on New Social Movements in developing countries.
4(c)[15m] Is democracy promotion in developing countries a feasible idea?
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] Examine the role of parliamentary diplomacy in India's foreign policy.
5(b)[10m] Compare and contrast Non-alignment 1.0 with Non-alignment 2.0.
5(c)[10m] How is India pursuing her foreign policy objectives through the IBSA Dialogue Forum?
5(d)[10m] How is India responding to the idea of Indo-Pacific?
5(e)[10m] The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the cause of Palestine. Comment.
6(a)[20m] Describe briefly China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative and analyze India's major concerns.
6(b)[15m] What are the current issues in Brahmaputra River water sharing between India and China?
6(c)[15m] Analyze the recent trends in India's role in UN peacekeeping operations.
7(a)[20m] Examine the increasing significance of maritime security in India's foreign policy.
7(b)[15m] Write a brief note on India's interests in West Asia.
7(c)[15m] How is the current standoff between the USA and Iran affecting India's energy security?
8(a)[20m] Evaluate India's vision of a new world order.
8(b)[15m] Critically examine India's position on South China Sea dispute.
8(c)[15m] Given recent developments in the region, is there a need to change India's No First Use nuclear policy?

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2018

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics. Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative Politics.
1(b)[10m] Describe the changing nature of the State in developing societies in the context of inclusive growth in the 21st century.
1(c)[10m] How big a role does identity play in determining political participation in the developing countries? Discuss with illustrations.
1(d)[10m] Bring out major differences between Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz.
1(e)[10m] What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country's soft power? Discuss relevance in contemporary world politics.
2(a)[20m] Discuss the significance of Non-Aligned Movement as a unique contribution of the Non-Western world to World Politics.
2(b)[15m] Discuss the consequences of Trump's America First and Xi's Chinese Dream on World Politics.
2(c)[15m] Some feel MNCs are a vital new road to economic growth, whereas others feel they perpetuate underdevelopment. Discuss.
3(a)[20m] Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in conflict zones.
3(b)[15m] Do ongoing debates on international environmental politics continue to be marred by a new North-South ideological divide over historical responsibility and developmental model? Illustrate.
3(c)[15m] Since its inception SAARC has failed to deliver on its promises. What initiatives should be taken to reinvigorate it?
4(a)[20m] Critically examine the notion of Asian Values in the context of debates on human rights.
4(b)[15m] Discuss implications of the Trump-Kim Singapore Summit on prospects of denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula.
4(c)[15m] Critically examine the Functionalist approach to the study of International Relations.
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] Do you agree that Indian Foreign Policy is increasingly being shaped by the neoliberal outlook? Elaborate.
5(b)[10m] India is often said to have a rich strategic culture. Discuss.
5(c)[10m] Evaluate India's stand on the recent Rohingya refugee issue.
5(d)[10m] India's current foreign policy marks significant qualitative shifts from previous regimes. Discuss.
5(e)[10m] Analyse the significance of India's Look East Policy in light of concerns of indigenous peoples of North-East India.
6(a)[20m] India's coalitional diplomacy within the WTO has earned appreciation. What accounts for its success?
6(b)[15m] India's capacity building programmes under ITEC have earned much goodwill in Africa. Discuss.
6(c)[15m] India's Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) is a major initiative in South-South Cooperation. Discuss.
7(a)[20m] Discuss the role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India's soft power abroad.
7(b)[15m] Discuss the role of Indian diaspora in promoting Indo-US relations.
7(c)[15m] Discuss various impediments in India's way to a permanent seat in the Security Council.
8(a)[20m] Do you think India's capacity-building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space for Pakistan there? Discuss.
8(b)[15m] Critically assess evolving convergence of India and China in trade and environment.
8(c)[15m] Do you agree that growing assertiveness of China is leading to multilayered Indo-Japan relations? Comment.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2017

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Explain the Political-Sociological Approach in comparative politics and discuss its limitations.
1(b)[10m] Critically examine globalisation in the past 25 years from the perspective of the Western world.
1(c)[10m] Examine the LGBT movement in developed societies and how it is affecting political participation in developing societies.
1(d)[10m] American President Donald Trump's proposal to withdraw from NAFTA would bring unforeseen consequences to regionalisation of world politics. Elaborate.
1(e)[10m] Give an assessment of the Feminist critique of contemporary global issues.
2(a)[20m] Is Realist Approach the best method to understand International Relations? Examine in context of Classical Realism.
2(b)[15m] How has development of global capitalism changed the nature of socialist economies and developing societies?
2(c)[15m] Discuss the changing nature of modern state with reference to transnational actors.
3(a)[20m] The development of advanced missile technology and nuclear threat by North Korea has challenged American hegemony in South-East Asia. Evaluate in context of recent developments.
3(b)[15m] Do you endorse the view that end of bipolarity and rise of multiple regional organisations has made NAM more or less irrelevant?
3(c)[15m] Do you agree that despite limitations in UN functioning, it has distinguished and unique achievements?
4(a)[20m] USA withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement is a setback in the consensus on protecting world environment. Assess future prospects on climate control.
4(b)[15m] How has Brexit affected EU regionalisation process and what are likely impacts on regionalisation of world politics?
4(c)[15m] Examine the World Systems Approach as developed by Immanuel Wallerstein.
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] Examine the Indian National Movement and geographical location of India as determinants of India's foreign policy.
5(b)[10m] What are the impediments in the development of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)?
5(c)[10m] The Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship between India and Bhutan needs revision with more pragmatic obligations and responsibilities. Comment.
5(d)[10m] India has been the largest and consistent country contributing to UN peacekeepers worldwide. Examine India's role.
5(e)[10m] Has the recent Indo-Israeli relationship given a new dynamics to India's stand on Palestinian statehood?
6(a)[20m] Suggest measures so India's partnership with Africa becomes a true symbol of South-South Cooperation, delivering economic and political dividends to both sides.
6(b)[15m] Despite differences between India and Pakistan, Indus Water Treaty has stood the test of time. Discuss recent developments.
6(c)[15m] Analyse the stalled progress of Doha Round of WTO negotiations over differences between developed and developing countries.
7(a)[20m] How is China's Belt and Road Initiative going to affect India-China relations?
7(b)[15m] Recent differences between India and Russia are the result of misconceptions than facts. Elucidate.
7(c)[15m] Uniting for Consensus, also known as Coffee Club, has opposed claims of India and other countries over permanent UNSC membership. Point out major objections.
8(a)[20m] The natural behaviour of India and the United States is likely to serve each other's interests. A deliberate strategy of dovetailing their efforts will benefit both. Elaborate.
8(b)[15m] In the evolving Asian dynamics, Japan and India have moved closer in economic cooperation and strategic partnership. Discuss.
8(c)[15m] The NPT has failed to achieve global nuclear disarmament. Discuss deficiencies in NPT.

PSIR Paper 2  ·  2016

Section A — Comparative Politics & International Relations
1(a)[10m] Critically examine the Marxist aspect of political economy approach to the study of comparative politics.
1(b)[10m] Comment on the decline of political parties and examine whether new social movements can be an alternative strategy for linking government and society.
1(c)[10m] Discuss the impact of globalization on the internal functioning of the state.
1(d)[10m] Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of international relations.
1(e)[10m] A combination of internal pressures and external threats has produced a crisis of the nation-state. Elaborate.
2(a)[20m] Why does global human security need to be emphasized along with economic security? Explain with examples.
2(b)[15m] Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its structures and functioning? Suggest changes for efficient improvements.
2(c)[15m] Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post-Cold War period.
3(a)[20m] The IMF, World Bank, G-7, GATT and other structures are designed to serve the interests of TNCs, banks and investment firms in a new imperial age. Substantiate.
3(b)[15m] Examine in brief the rise and fall of the Cold War.
3(c)[15m] How does regionalism shape world politics? Explain with examples.
4(a)[20m] Explain the instruments and methods devised for promotion of national interest.
4(b)[15m] The notion of balance of power is notoriously full of confusion. Do you think balance of power is relevant?
4(c)[15m] Do interest groups help to promote democracy or undermine it? Give your opinion.
Section B — India & the World
5(a)[10m] Which determinant factors play an important role in making India's foreign policy? Illustrate with examples.
5(b)[10m] Comment on India's contribution to Non-Alignment Movement and its contemporary relevance.
5(c)[10m] Illustrate the main causes of tension between India and China. Suggest possibilities of improving relationship.
5(d)[10m] Critically analyze India's nuclear policy.
5(e)[10m] SAARC's efforts come to halt because of various impediments to regional cooperation. Elaborate with examples.
6(a)[20m] Explain Britain's ouster from EU and bring out its consequences on world economy in general and India in particular.
6(b)[15m] Comment on India's growing relationship with USA in the background of constrained relations between India and China.
6(c)[15m] Critically analyze China's role in international politics against India's demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council.
7(a)[20m] Examine main problems and challenges involved in looking after environmental concerns in world politics.
7(b)[15m] Explain North-South divide and suggest how structural inequalities between industrial North and predominantly rural South can be reduced.
7(c)[15m] Discuss positive and negative impacts of Soviet Union's disintegration on developing nations.
8(a)[20m] Explain socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify obstacles in the way of disarmament.
8(b)[15m] What are the hopes and aspirations of India's Look East Policy? Explain.
8(c)[15m] Discuss the shift of India's foreign policy towards Pakistan in light of Pathankot incident.