CSS International Relations 2024 paper(b)
No. 2. With the evolving situation in Afghanistan, how does China engage with Pakistan to ensure stability in the region, and what are the shared strategic interests and potential divergences between the two countries in the context of post-withdrawal Afghanistan? (20)
No. 3. Under President Putin, Russian foreign policy has experienced a revival. Russia is back on the world stage and projecting its power through economic and less politico-military means. Comment. (20)
No. 4. Recent relationship between the US and China seems to be prey to Thucydides’s trap. Can America and China escape it? Analyze it keeping in view the recent trends in international politics. (20)
No. 5. Graham Allison has devised different models for making choices in foreign policy decisions. Compare and contrast the Rational Actor Model and the Bureaucratic Politics Model to illustrate foreign policy decisions. Which model better explains Pakistan’s decision in 2015 to decline Saudi Arabia’s call for armed support in the Yemen war? (20)
No. 6. Compare and contrast Fukuyama’s ‘End of History’ and Huntington’s ‘Clash of Civilization’ in the backdrop of the interpretation of the post-Cold War era. Which interpretation seems more attractive in explaining international politics in the post-Cold War era? (20)
No. 7. With the Abraham Accords between Israel and some Arab states, how has the October 2023 Israel-Gaza war impacted the broader dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict particularly prospects for the two-state solution? (20)
No. 8. Pakistan and India are nuclear-armed neighbors. The normalization of the bilateral relationship between them has not become possible despite several peace initiatives like the Simla Accord and the Composite Dialogue. Is sustained peace possible between them? (20)
Summary of Questions:
No. 2. With the evolving situation in Afghanistan, how does China engage with Pakistan to ensure stability in the region, and what are the shared strategic interests and potential divergences between the two countries in the context of post-withdrawal Afghanistan?
China and Pakistan collaborate to stabilize Afghanistan by supporting inclusive governance, curbing extremism, and safeguarding their economic projects, like CPEC. Shared interests include regional stability and countering terrorism. However, divergences may arise if Pakistan’s internal dynamics or China’s engagement with the Taliban create conflicting priorities.
No. 3. Under President Putin, Russian foreign policy has experienced a revival. Russia is back on the world stage and projecting its power through economic and less politico-military means. Comment.
President Putin’s policies have revitalized Russia’s influence by leveraging energy resources, regional alliances, and strategic diplomacy. While military actions, like in Ukraine, have reinforced its presence, Russia increasingly uses economic tools, such as energy partnerships with Europe and Asia, to reassert global power without relying solely on military might.
No. 4. Recent relationships between the US and China seem to be prey to Thucydides’s trap. Can America and China escape it? Analyze it keeping in view the recent trends in international politics.
Thucydides’s trap suggests that a rising power (China) and an established one (US) are destined for conflict. However, cooperative measures in trade, climate change, and diplomacy could avert war. Recent trends, such as economic interdependence and multilateral engagements, offer hope, but military and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific remain obstacles.
No. 5. Graham Allison has devised different models for making choices in foreign policy decisions. Compare and contrast the Rational Actor Model and the Bureaucratic Politics Model to illustrate foreign policy decisions. Which model better explains Pakistan’s decision in 2015 to decline Saudi Arabia’s call for armed support in the Yemen war?
The Rational Actor Model focuses on states making decisions based on national interests, while the Bureaucratic Politics Model emphasizes the role of internal government dynamics. Pakistan’s 2015 decision aligns with the Bureaucratic Politics Model, as military and political leaders prioritized neutrality to avoid regional conflicts and sectarian divides.
No. 6. Compare and contrast Fukuyama’s ‘End of History’ and Huntington’s ‘Clash of Civilizations’ in the backdrop of the interpretation of the post-Cold War era. Which interpretation seems more attractive in explaining international politics in the post-Cold War era?
Fukuyama’s ‘End of History’ argues for liberal democracy’s ultimate dominance, while Huntington’s ‘Clash of Civilizations’ predicts cultural and religious conflicts. Huntington’s view seems more relevant post-Cold War, evidenced by tensions in the Middle East and ideological divides between the West and non-Western civilizations, challenging Fukuyama’s optimism.
No. 7. With the Abraham Accords between Israel and some Arab states, how has the October 2023 Israel-Gaza war impacted the broader dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict, particularly prospects for the two-state solution?
The October 2023 Israel-Gaza war strained the Abraham Accords by reigniting tensions between Arab states and Israel. The conflict has deepened divisions, reduced trust, and made the two-state solution less viable, as escalated violence hinders dialogue and complicates regional normalization efforts.
No. 8. Pakistan and India are nuclear-armed neighbors. The normalization of the bilateral relationship between them has not become possible despite several peace initiatives like the Simla Accord and the Composite Dialogue. Is sustained peace possible between them?
Sustained peace between Pakistan and India requires addressing core issues, such as Kashmir, mutual mistrust, and cross-border terrorism. While initiatives like the Simla Accord offered temporary relief, political will, consistent dialogue, and economic interdependence are essential for achieving long-term stability amidst enduring hostility.