POLITICAL SCIENCE AND
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 2019
(Paper 1)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed: Three Hours
SECTION-A
1. Comment on the following in about
150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
1. (a) Resurgence
of political theory. 10 marks
1. (b) Pluralist theory of the State.10 marks
1. (c) End of Ideology debate.10 marks
1. (d) Deliberative democracy. 10 marks
1. (e) M. K. Gandhi's concept of Swaraj.10 marks
2. (a)Explain Aristotle's critique of Plato's
Idealism. 20 marks
2. (b) Examine communitarian
perspectives on justice. 15 marks
2. (c) Compare negative and positive concepts of liberty. 15 marks
3. (a) According to Gramsci, 'hegemony is primarily based
on the organisation of consent.' Comment. 20 marks
3.(b) Discuss Kautilya's views on the
elements of the State.15 marks
3.(c) Distinguish between liberal feminism and radical feminism. 15 marks
4. (a) Critically examine Hannah Arendt's conceptual triad
of labour, work and action. 20 marks
4. (b) Discuss the doctrine of
'rights as trumps'. 15 marks
4. (c) What is the contemporary relevance of Marxism ? 15 marks
Section-B
5. Comment on the following in about
150 words each: 50x5=50 marks
5. (a) Unity and
integrity of India was perhaps the single uppermost factor in the minds of the
Constitution makers. Comment. 10
5. (b) Dalit perspective on Indian national movement. Discuss.
5. (c) Despite constitutional mandate the Inter-State Council has not come of
age. Discuss.
5. (d) Political decentralization has not been matched by administrative
decentralization at the grass roots level. Explain
5. (e) Write short note on the significance of Chipko Movement.
6. (a) National movement in India was anti-imperialist and
increasingly radical in its socio-economic and political programmes. Discuss.
6. (b) What has been the political
fallout of the Green Revolution in India ? Explain.
6. (c) The changing socio-economic profile of our legislators does not augur well
for the health of Indian democracy. Comment.
7. (a) Development has overshadowed the influence of caste
in electoral behaviour in recent elections. Discuss.
7. (b) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India enhances the accountability
of the Government and serves as the watchdog of the finances of the Government.
Explain.
7. (c) Discuss, in brief, the role of the National Commission for women. Do you
think it is a toothless organization ?
8. (a) “The basic structure doctrine is implicit in the
Indian Constitution; the Supreme Court has only given it an explicit
form." Comment.
8. (b) Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has emerged as the most powerful
institution in India. Discuss.
8. (c) Comment on the relevance of the Directive Principles of State Policy in an
era of liberalization and globalization.
(Paper 2)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed: Three Hours
SECTION-A
Q1. Answer the following
questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
(a) Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory in the
context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan. 10 marks
(b) Write a brief note on the 17th NAM Summit in Venezuela. 10 marks
(c) In what way does the predominance of the USA in the UN funding affect its
decision-making? 10 marks
(d) Evaluate the role of BIMSTEC in multi-sectoral technical and economic
cooperation. 10 marks
(e) Do you think that sustainable development goals are really attainable by
2030? 10 marks
Q2. (a) Examine the
significance of the comparative method in political analysis. Discuss its
limitations. 20 marks
(b) Explain the reasons for low voter turnout in
democratic countries with suitable examples. 15 marks
(c) Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State
disputes. 15 marks
Q3. (a) Explain the
relevance of the Marxist approach in the context of globalization. 20
marks
(b) Identify the benefits of a multi-polar world. 15
marks
(c) Discuss the importance of personal data protection in the context of human
rights. 15 marks
Q4. (a) How are the
rising powers challenging the USA and Western dominance in the IMF and the
World Bank? 20 marks
(b) Write an essay on 'New Social Movements in developing countries.15 marks
(c) Is democracy promotion in developing countries a feasible idea? 15
marks
Section-B
Q5. Answer the following
questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) Examine the role of 'parliamentary diplomacy' in India's
foreign policy. 10 marks
(b) Compare and contrast Non-alignment 1.0 with Non-alignment 2.0. 10
marks
(c) How is India pursuing her foreign policy objectives through the IBSA
Dialogue Forum (India, Brazil and South Africa)? 10 marks
(d) How is India responding to the idea of Indo-Pacific?10 marks
(e) "The growing closeness between India and Israel will strengthen the
cause of Palestine." Comment. 10 marks
Q6. (a) Describe briefly
China's 'One Belt One Road (OBOR)' Initiative and analyze India's major concerns. 20
marks
(b) What are the current issues in Brahmaputra River water sharing between
India and China? 15 marks
(c) Analyze the recent trends in India's role in the UN peacekeeping
operations. 15 marks
Q7. (a) Examine the
increasing significance of maritime security in India's foreign policy. 20
marks
(b) Write a brief note on India's interests in West
Asia. 15 marks
(c) How is the current standoff between the USA and Iran affecting India's
energy security? 15 marks
Q8. (a) Evaluate India's
vision of a new world order. 20 marks
(b) Critically examine India's position on South China Sea
Dispute. 15 marks
(c) Given the recent developments in the region, do you think that there is a
need to change India's 'No First Use (NFU)' nuclear policy?15 marks
CS (MAIN) EXAM:2018
POLITICAL SCIENCE AND
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
(Paper 1)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed: Three Hours
SECTION-A
1. Comment on the
following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
1. (a) John Stuart Mill is a 'reluctant democrat”. - C. L.
Wayper 10 marks
1. (b) Decline of Political Theory 10 marks
1. (c) Distributive Justice 10 marks
1. (d) Substantive Democracy 10 marks
1. (e) "Nothing against the State, nothing over it, nothing beyond
it." - Mussolini 10 marks
2. (a) Critically examine
the neo-liberal theory of State. 20 marks
2.(b) Analyse John Rawls justification of discrimination
to achieve the goals of Justice.15 marks
2.(c) Equality means fair treatment rather than equal treatment. Comment. 15
marks
3. (a) What do you
understand by three generations of Human Rights ? 20 marks
3. (b) Critically examine Macpherson's views on Democracy.
15 marks
3. (c) Explain the relationship between power, authority and legitimacy. 15
marks
4. (a) John Locke is the
father of liberalism. Explain. 20 marks
4. (b) Discuss Ambedkar's ideas on 'annihilation of
caste'. 15 marks
4. (c) Critically examine Machiavelli's views on religion and politics.15 marks
Section-B
5. Comment on the
following in about 150 words each : 50x5=50 marks
5. (a) Revolt of 1857 is a 'Sepoy Mutiny' or 'First War of
Independence'. 10 marks
5. (b) Indian Constitution is a "Lawyers' Paradise'. - Ivor Jennings 10
marks
5. (c) New Panchayat Raj is an effective instrument for women empowerment. 10
marks
5. (d) Implementation of GST and NEET is a major challenge to Indian
federalism. 10 marks
5. (e) Political personalities are more significant than political parties in
India. 10 marks
6. (a) Whether judicial
activism has undermined or strengthened Parliamentary Democracy in India ?
Discuss. 20 marks
6. (b) Do the Lieutenant Governors have more powers than the Governors of the
States ? Explain.15 marks
6. (c) Critically examine the ethnic conflicts in North-East India. 15 marks
7. (a) Examine the
provisions of Panchayat Extension Services Act (PESA), 1996. 20 marks
7. (b) Analyse the arguments in favour and against the
lateral entry into higher civil services in India. 15 marks
7. (c) Discuss asymmetrical federalism in India. 15 marks
8. (a) Examine the
various causes of agrarian crisis in India. 20 marks
8. (b) Explain the increasing role of regional political
parties in the national politics. 15 marks
8. (c) Critically analyse the environmentalist movement in Tuticorin,
Tamilnadu. 15 marks
(Paper 2)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed: Three Hours
SECTION-A
Q1. Answer the following questions
in about 150 words each: 10x5=50 marks
(a) Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics.
Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative
Politics. 10 marks
(b) Describe the changing nature of the State in the developing societies in
the context of inclusive growth in the 21st century.10 marks
(c) How big a role does identity play in determining political participation in
the developing countries ? Discuss your answer with suitable illustrations. 10
marks
(d) Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans
Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. 10 marks
(e) What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country's soft
power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world politics. 10 marks
Q2. (a) Discuss the
significance of Non-Aligned Movement as a unique contribution of the
Non-Western world to World Politics. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the consequences of Trump's "America First" and Xi's
"Chinese Dream" on World Politics. 15 marks
(c) "Some feel Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are a vital new road to
economic growth, whereas others feel they perpetuate underdevelopment."
Discuss. 15 marks
Q3. (a) Discuss the
relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in
conflict zones. 20 marks
(b) Would you agree that the on-going debates on international environmental
politics continue to be marred by a new North-South ideological divide over
historical responsibility and developmental model ? Illustrate your answer with
suitable examples. 15 marks
(c) "Since its inception the South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) has failed to deliver on its promises." What
initiatives should be taken to reinvigorate the organization ? 15 marks
Q4. (a) Critically
examine the notion of "Asian Values" in the context of the on-going
debates on human rights. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the implications of the Trump-Kim Singapore Summit on the prospects
of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. | 15 marks
(c) Critically examine the Functionalist approach to the study of International
Relations. 15 marks
Section-B
Q5. Answer the following
questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a). Do you agree with the view that the Indian Foreign Policy
is increasingly being shaped by the Neoliberal outlook ? Elaborate. | 10 marks
(b) "India is often said to have a rich strategic culture." Discuss.
10 marks
(c) Evaluate India's stand on the recent Rohingya refugee issue. 10 marks
(d) "India's current foreign policy marks significant qualitative shifts
from that of the previous regimes." Discuss. 10 marks
(e) Analyse the significance of India's Look East Policy in the light of
concerns of the indigenous peoples of North-east India. 10 marks
Q6. (a) India's
coalitional diplomacy within the WTO has earned it wide appreciation. What
accounts for the success of India's coalitional diplomacy? 20 marks
(b) "India's capacity building programmes under the Indian Technical and
Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has earned much goodwill for it in Africa."
Discuss. 15 marks
(c) "India's Research and Information System for Developing
Countries" (RIS) is a major initiative in the area of South-South
Cooperation. Discuss. 15 marks
Q7. (a) Discuss the role
of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India's soft
power abroad. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the role of Indian diaspora in promoting Indo-US relations. 15
marks
(c) Discuss the various impediments in India's way to a permanent seat in the
Security Council. 15 marks
Q8. (a) Do you think that
India's capacity building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space
for Pakistan there? Discuss. 20 marks
(b) Critically assess the evolving convergence of India and China in the areas
of trade and environment. 15 marks
(c) Do you agree that the growing assertiveness of China is leading to
multilayered Indo-Japan relations ? Comment. 15 marks
UPSC Mains Exam 2017
POLITICAL SCIENCE Optional
(Paper-1)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed: Three Hours
SECTION A
Q1. Comment on the
following in about 150 words each: (10×5=50 Marks)
(a) According to Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj is a necessary condition for India
to accomplish its destined goal.
(b) Neo-liberal perspective of State
(c) Post-modernism
(d) Eco-feminism
(e) Hobbesian notion of Political Obligation
Q2. (a) Rawls' theory of justice is both
contractual and distributive. Examine. (20 Marks)
(b)
Everywhere, inequality is a cause of revolution - Aristotle. Comment. (15 Marks)
(c) Define Socialism. Discuss the salient features of Fabian Socialism. (15
Marks)
Q3. (a) What do you
understand by Multiculturalism? Discuss Bhikhu Parekh's view on
Multiculturalism. (20 Marks)
(b) Deliberative democracy does not have its salience without participation and
participatory democracy does not have its credence without deliberations.
Comment. (15 Marks)
(c) Differentiate between Freedom and Liberty. Discuss Marx's notion of
freedom. (15 Marks)
Q4. (a) Political democracy could not last unless
social democracy lay at its base - B.R. Ambedkar. Comment. (20
Marks)
(b) Write a brief note on The End of History debate. (15 Marks)
(c) What do you understand by the notion of Statecraft? Discuss the theory of
statecraft as given by Kautilya. (15 Marks)
SECTION B
Q5. Comment on the
following in about 150 words each: (10×5=50 Marks)
(a) The success of Mahatma Gandhi lay in transforming both political and
non-political movements into a unified nationalist movement.
(b) Right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life.
(c) Indian federation has moved from cooperative federation to competitive
federation.
(d) State subvention/funding may be an effective instrument in strengthening
electoral democracy in India.
(e) In the post-liberalization era, Indian politics is moving from ascriptive
politics to developmental politics.
Q6. (a) Differentiate parliamentary supremacy
from parliamentary sovereignty. Would you consider the Indian Parliament as a
Sovereign Parliament? Examine. (20 Marks)
(b) Has the 73rd Constitutional Amendment empowered women in panchayats in
India? Discuss. (15 Marks)
(c) Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss. (15
Marks)
Q7. (a) India has moved from 'one-party dominant
system' to 'one-party led coalition'. Discuss. (20 Marks)
(b) How is
the President of India elected? Outline the salient characteristics of the
electoral college of the Indian President. (15 Marks)
(c) Examine the role of the National Commission for Minorities in preserving,
promoting and protecting the rights of minorities in India. (15
Marks)
Q8. (a) Judiciary has acquired the role of both,
a legislature and an executive in recent years. Examine with suitable
examples. (20 Marks)
(b) What do you understand by Green Revolution? Do you think that a Second
Green Revolution is needed to adequately address the agrarian challenges in
contemporary India? Examine. (15 Marks)
(c) Differentiate Moderate Nationalism from Extremist/Militant Nationalism in
terms of their objectives and means. (15 Marks)
(Paper-2)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed: Three Hours
SECTION A
Q1. Answer the following
questions in about 150 words each: (10×5=50 Marks)
(a) Explain the Political-Sociological Approach in the field of
comparative politics and discuss its limitations.
(b) Critically examine the Globalisation in the past 25 years from the
perspectives of the Western world.
(c) Examine the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) movement: in
developed societies and how it is affecting the political participation in
developing societies.
(d) American President: Donald Trump's proposal to withdraw from the ‘NAFTA’
would bring unforeseen consequences to the regionalisation of world politics.
Elaborate.
(e) Give an assessment of the Feminist critique of contemporary global issues.
Q2. (a) Is Realist Approach the best method to
understand International Relations? Examine this in the context or Classical
Realism. (20 Marks)
(b) How has the development of Global
capitalism changed the nature of socialist economies and developing societies? (15
Marks)
(c) Discuss the changing nature of
modem state with reference to transnational actors. (15 Marks)
Q3. (a) “The development or advanced missile
technology and nuclear threat by North Korea has challenged the American
hegemony in South-East Asia.” Evaluate the above statement in the context of
recent developments in the region. (20 Marks)
(b) Do you endorse the view that the
end of Bipolarity and the rise of multiple regional organisations has made
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) more or less irrelevant? (15 Marks)
(c) Do you agree with the view that
despite the limitations in the functioning of the UN, it has distinguished and
unique achievements to its credit? (15 Marks)
Q4. (a) The recent move of USA to withdraw from
the Paris climate Agreement is a setback in the consensus achieved on
protecting the world environment. In this context, assess the future
prospective on climate control. (20 Marks)
(b) How has ‘BREXIT’ affected the
regionalisation process initiated by European Union and what could be its likely
impacts in the regionalisation process of world politics? (15
Marks)
(c) Examine the World System Approach
as developed by Emmanuel Wallerstein. (15 Marks)
SECTION-
B
Q5. Answer the following
questions in about 150 words each: (10×5=50 Marks)
(a) Examine the Indian National Movement and Geographical location of
India as determinants of India’s foreign policy.
(b) What are the impediments of the developments of South Asian Free Trade Area
(SAFTA)?
(c) “The treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship between India and Bhutan
needs to be revised with more pragmatic, realistic obligations and
responsibilities.” Comment.
(d) “India has been the largest and consistent country contributing to the UN
peacekeepers worldwide.” Examine India’s role in this perspective.
(e) Has the recent Indo-Israeli relationships given a new dynamics to India’s
stand on Palestinian’s statehood?
Q6. (a) Suggest measures so that India’s
partnership with Africa becomes a true symbol of South-South Cooperation,
delivering clear-cut economic and political dividends to both side of the
equation. (20 Marks)
(b) “Despite the difference between
India and Pakistan on various issues, Indus Water Treaty has stood the test of
time.” In the light of this statements, discuss the recent developments over
the issue. (15 Marks)
(c) Analyse the stalled progress of
Doha Round of WTO negotiations over the differences between the developed and
the developing countries. (15 Marks)
Q7. (a) How is the “Belt and Road Initiative” of
China going to affect India-China relationship? (20 Marks)
(b) The
recent difference between India and Russia are the result of misconceptions
than fact. Elucidate. (15 Marks)
(c) ‘Uniting for Census’ also known as
‘Coffee Club’ has opposed the claims of India and other countries over
permanent membership of the UN Security Council. Point out their major
objections. (15 Marks)
Q8. (a) The natural behaviour of India and the
United States is likely to serve each other’s interests. Hence, a deliberate
strategy of dovetailing their efforts will obviously benefit both. Elaborate. (20
Marks)
(b) Do you
subscribe to the idea that in the new evolving Asian dynamics, Japan and India
have not only moved closer in economic cooperation but also in strategic
partnership? (15 Marks)
(c) The Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) has failed to achieve the ultimate objective of Global Nuclear
Department. Discuss the deficiency in the provision of NPT. (15
Marks)
UPSC Mains Optional Political Science - 2016
Paper -1
Section-A
1. Comment on the following in about
150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) "How would
I and my fellow human beings behave if we were to find ourselves in a state of
nature, and what does this behaviour tell us about our innate predispositions
?" (Thomas Hobbes) 10 marks
(b) The Post-Behavioural Approach. 10 marks
(c) Affirmative Action. 10 marks
(d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's idea of state socialism. 10 marks
(e) Gramsci's concept of Hegemony. 10 marks
2. (a) "The Political ideology of Globalization is
Neo-liberalism." Comment. 20 marks
(b) Discuss Feminist theory of the
State. 15 marks
(c) Critically examine John Rawl's argument for democratic equality. 15 marks
3. (a) Discuss Sri Aurobindo's views on Cultural
Nationalism. 20 marks
(b) Explain Marx's understanding of
Human Essence and Alienation. 15 marks
(c) "The implementation of human rights is regarded as a matter of
changing the conduct of States." Comment. 15 marks
4. (a) Discuss Hannah Arendt's analysis of the role of
Ideology in modern totalitarian regimes.20 marks
(b) Explicate the features of
Representative Democracy. 15 marks
(c) Examine Gandhi's critique of Modernisation 15 marks
SECTION-B
5. Comment on the following in about
150 words cach: 10x5=50 marks
(a) Critically examine
the Radical Humanist perspective on Indian National Movement. 10 marks
(b) Cultural and Regional differences are the enduring bases on which politics
is played out in India. 10 marks
(c) Article 368 does not enable Parliament to alter the basic structure or
framework of the Constitution'. 10 marks
(d) The purpose of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment was to make the economic
and social democracy explicitly visible. 10 marks
(e) The philosophy and administration of the distribution of powers between Centre
and State is required to be re-assessed. 10 marks
6. (a) Critically examine the politics of Economic growth
in India. 20 marks
(b) Comment on the emergence of Backward classes in the Indian Politics. 15
marks
(c) Discuss the pattern of Political Parties from one dominant party system to
coalition politics in national politics. 15 marks
7. (a) Land reforms have failed in the eradication of
rural poverty. Comment. 20 marks
(b) Critically examine the role of Governor in recent times. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the Right to Information and underline challenges being posed
before it. 15 marks
8. (a) The goal of Good governance will be achieved only
by strengthening the grass root level democracy. 20 marks
(b) Examine the objective and role of the National Human Rights Commission. 15
marks
(c) Critically examine the provisions made in the Constitution for the
protection of Environment. 15 marks
Paper -2
Section-A
1. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) Critically
examine the Marxist aspect of political economy approach to the study of
comparative politics.
(b) Comment on the decline of political parties and examine whether slew social
movements shall be alternative strategy for establishing link between government
and society.
(c) Discuss the impact of globalization on the internal functioning of the
state.
(d) Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of
international relations,
(e) "A combination of internal pressures (ethnic and regional forces) and
external threats (EU, UN, TNC, global market, etc) has produced what is
commonly referred to as a 'crisis of the nation-state'." Elaborate.
2. (a)Why does global human security need to be emphasized
along with economic security? Explain with examples. 20 marks
(b) Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its
structures and functioning? Suggest the changes for efficient improvements. 15
marks
(c) Discuss the evolution of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the
post-Cold War period. 15 marks
3.(a) "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 with examples of governance
of new world order. 20 marks
(b)Examine in brief the rise and fall of the Cold War. 15 marks
(c) How does the regionalism shape the world politics? Explain with examples.
15 marks
4. (a) Explain the instruments and methods devised for the
promotion of national interest.
(b) "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? 15 marks
(c) Do interest groups help to promote democracy or to undermine it? Give your
opinion. 15 marks
SECTION—B
5. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each 10x5=50 marks
(a) Which
determinant factors play an important role in making India's foreign policy?
Illustrate with examples.
(b) Comment on India's contribution to Non-Alignment Movement and its
contemporary relevance.
(c) Illustrate the main causes of tension between India and China. Suggest the
possibilities of improving relationship.
(d) Critically analyze India's nuclear policy.
(e) "Sometimes we visualize that SAARC's efforts come to halt because of
various impediments to regional cooperation." Elaborate with reasonable
examples of impediments.
6. (a)Explain Britain's ouster from EU and bring out its
consequences on world economy in general and India in particular. 20 marks
(b) Comment on India's growing relationship with USA in the background of
constrained relations between India and China. 15 marks
(c) Critically analyze China's role in international politics against India's
demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council. 15 marks
7. (a) Examine the main problems and challenges involved
in looking after environmental concerns in world politics. 20 marks
(b) Explain the concept of the North-South divide and suggest how structural
inequalities between the high wage, high investment industrial North and low
wage, low investment predominantly rural South can be reduced. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the positive and negative impacts of Soviet Union's disintegration
on developing nations. 15 marks
8. (a) Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and
identify the obstacles in the way of disarmament 20 marks.
(b) What are the hopes and aspirations of 'Look East Policy of India? Explain.
15 marks
(c) Discuss the shift of India's foreign policy towards Pakistan in the light
of Pathankot incident. 15 marks
UPSC Mains 2015
Political Science & International Relations
Paper -1
SECTION-A
1. Comment on the following in about
150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) Idea of Natural
Rights
(b) Aristotle’s Conception of Equality
(c) Difference Principle* in Rawls’ Theory of Justice
(d) Difference between Participatory and Deliberative Democracy
(e) Gandhi’s Views on State
2. (a) Examine the challenges to sovereignty of the State
in the contemporary world. 20 marks
(b)Discuss the key features of pre-Marxist socialist theory. 15 marks
(c) Compare and contrast the views of Kautilya and Machiavelli on Statecraft.
15 marks
3. (a) “Plato was an enemy of the open society.” (Popper)
Comment. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the relationship between base and superstructure in Marxist theory.
15 marks
(c) Distinguish between Power and Authority. 15 marks
4. (a) Discuss the ‘crisis of legitimacy’ in capitalist
societies. (Habermas) 20 marks
(b) Discuss Gramsci’s notion of ‘organic intellectuals’. 15 marks
(c) Discuss David Easton’s model of systems analysis. 15 marks
SECTION-B
5. Comment on the following in about
150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) Secularism in
the Indian Constitution
(b) Satyagraha as a Strategy in the Indian National Movement
(c) 99th Amendment of the Indian Constitution
(d) Structure and Function of NITI Aayog
(e) Cooperative Federalism in India
6. (a) Discuss the efficacy of judicial review in India.
20 marks
(b) Critically analyze the
discretionary powers granted to the Governor by the Indian Constitution. 15
marks
(c) “Identity politics has trumped development politics in India.” Comment. 15
marks
7. (a) In the light of neo-economic policies adopted since
1991, examine the relevance of the term ‘socialist' in the Preamble of the
Indian Constitution. 20 marks
(b) Identify the contested areas in
Centre-State relations in India. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the ‘Right to Education* and the concerns raised by it. 15 marks
8. (a) Trftem^fou j Examine the role of Panchayati Raj
Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in deepening of democracy in India. 20
marks
(b) Compare the Nehruvian and Gandhian models of development. 15 marks
(c) Account for the rise of regional political parties and assess their role in
contemporary India. 15 marks
Paper -2
SECTION-A
l. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks
(a) Which are the
major approaches of comparative politics ? Explain in brief, the political
economy approach to the study of comparative inquiry. 10 marks
(b) Do you subscribe to the view that the modern constructs of the State and
politics are pre-eminently Eurocentric and not indigenous and appropriate for
the analysis of non-western societies ? 10 marks
(c) Identify the major differences between the classical realism of Hans J.
Morgenthau and the neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. Which approach is best, suited
for analysing international relations after the Cold War? 10 marks
(d) Is globalization essentially a process of ‘universalisation’ of capitalist
modernity? 10 marks
(e) What is the difference between Interest Groups and Pressure Groups ? Are
the Pressure Groups in India in a position to fully protect or promote the
interests of their members ? 10 marks
2. (a) ‘The struggle for democracy has been marked by
bitter strife and tribulations.’ Examine the statement, illustrating the cases
of Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the theory of Nuclear Deterrence. Did Nuclear Deterrence prevent a
superpower war ? 15 marks
(c) What are the real objectives of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) ? Do you
think that millennium development goals have been able to achieve the desired
goals of poverty alleviation and sustainable development? 15 marks
3. (a) Do you endorse that the conventional discourse on
human rights has failed to include women’s rights ? Explain in the context of
feminist theories. 12+8=20 marks
(b) How far are the world governance mechanisms, dominated by IMF and World
Bank, legitimate and relevant ? What measures do you suggest to improve their
effectiveness in global governance ? 15 marks
(c) Discuss the collapse of the Soviet Union and its impact on international
politics. 15 marks
4. (a) Has the reform of the economic and social
arrangements of the United Nations been effective ? 20 marks
(b) ‘The European Union has become, the most politically influential, ,
economically powerful and demographically diverse regional entity in the
world.’ Discuss. 15 marks
(c) How is it that economic and neo-liberal globalization is being interrogated
from inside even in developed countries ? What are the economic consequences of
such globalization ? 15 marks
SECTION-B
5. Answer the following questions in
about 150 words each: 10x5=50
(a) The social
structure of a country influences its foreign policy-making. How does the
social structure of India impact the course and direction of its foreign policy
? 10 marks
(b) ‘Non-alignment’ has been the basic principle of India’s foreign policy
since independence. Discuss its relevance in the contemporary context. 10 marks
(c) Identify the constraints challenges to the regional cooperation in . South
Asia. 10 marks
(d) Ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in North-East India can be better managed
by improving relations with the neighbouring countries. Substantiate the
statement with suitable examples. 10 marks
(e) How does the Parliament determine and influence the making of India’s
foreign policy ? 10 marks
6. (a) Before the year 2000, the Indo-U.S. relationship
has been marked more with estrangement than cordiality. Why ? 20 marks
(b) ‘Economic interest has emerged as the main component of India’s foreign
policy.’ Discuss the statement in the light of India’s initiatives to improve
relations with China, Japan and the Central Asian republics. 15 marks
(c) In 1998, India declared itself as a nuclear weapon state. India refuses to
sign, NPT and CTBT. What would be the implications for India’s nuclear - policy
in case it signs both the treaties ? 15 marks
7. (a) Vision of a new world order has emerged as the
major objective of India’s foreign policy. Discuss the policy initiative taken
by India in this regard and the challenges faced by it. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the factors for the
decline of India’s presence in Latin America. 15 marks
(c) River water disputes are emerging as a major source of irritation between
India and its neighbours. Identify the sources of conflicts and suggest the
remedial measures. 15 marks
8. (a) The United Nations completes 70 years of its
establishment in 2015. What reforms is India asking for to strengthen the
global institutions of governance and why ? 20 marks
(b) Discuss the realistic foreign
policy initiatives taken by India to balance its relations between Israel and
the Arab world. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the humanitarian role played by India in the crisis-stricken Gulf
countries like Yemen and Iraq. 15 marks
"Insightful article! It offers a clear understanding of Political Science and International Relations as key subjects in the UPSC Mains, breaking down their relevance and preparation strategies effectively."
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