CSS International Relations 2016 paper(b)
No. 2. Discuss the core causes of the “Bolshevik Revolution” in Russia and explain its fundamental political and socio-economic impact on Western European politics. (20)
No. 3. Critically analyze Samuel P. Huntington’s concept of the “Clash of Civilizations”. Define its main characteristics and explain its devastating consequences on the different leading civilizations of the nations. (20)
No. 4. Discuss the moral imperatives of “Indian Foreign Policy” with the contending spirit of “Panchsheel” and evaluate how much it helps to strengthen the diplomatic objectives of the country’s foreign policy. (20)
No. 5. Critically discuss the main political, socio-economic, and strategic hurdles between “Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations” and how can both countries come out from the Cold War scenario? (20)
No. 6. Discuss the “Moral Dimensions of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme”. Explain its essential features and justify its offensive gesture which maintained the national and regional strategic balance. (20)
No. 7. Critically discuss the fundamental factors of the “Greece Economic Crisis” which need huge financial assistance from the European Union and IMF as debt relief to create “a breathing space” to stabilize the economy and explain out-of-the-box solutions for the crisis-ridden country. (20)
No. 8. Pakistan has formally joined Saudi Arabia’s led 34-state Islamic military alliance to contain terrorism and extremism in Southwest Asia. Critically discuss whether or not Pakistan participates in the newly formed military alliance against terrorism and explain its political, socio-cultural, and strategic implications on the country. (20)
Summary of Questions:
Discuss the core causes of the “Bolshevik Revolution” in Russia and explain its fundamental political and socio-economic impact on Western European politics.
The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 was driven by a combination of socio-economic inequality, dissatisfaction with autocratic rule, and the impacts of World War I. The working class, peasants, and soldiers faced severe hardships, while the elite lived in luxury. The war further destabilized Russia, leading to widespread protests and a desire for change. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, capitalized on this discontent, promising “peace, land, and bread.” Politically, the revolution ended the Russian monarchy and established a communist regime, greatly influencing Western European politics by challenging capitalist systems and inspiring socialist movements, while also increasing fears of communism, which shaped foreign policy and political alignments in Europe for decades.
Critically analyze Samuel P. Huntington’s concept of the “Clash of Civilizations”. Define its main characteristics and explain its devastating consequences on the different leading civilizations of the nations.
Samuel P. Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations” theory posits that the post-Cold War world would be defined by conflicts between different cultural and religious civilizations rather than ideological or economic divisions. The main characteristics include the emphasis on cultural identity, the division of the world into major civilizations (e.g., Western, Islamic, Sinic), and the prediction of cultural and religious conflicts. Critics argue that Huntington oversimplifies complex global dynamics and fosters an “us vs. them” mentality, exacerbating tensions between civilizations, particularly between the West and the Islamic world. This has contributed to global polarization, fueled conflicts, and hindered international cooperation, especially in regions like the Middle East.
Discuss the moral imperatives of “Indian Foreign Policy” with the contending spirit of “Panchsheel” and evaluate how much it helps to strengthen the diplomatic objectives of the country’s foreign policy.
The moral imperatives of Indian Foreign Policy, guided by the principles of “Panchsheel” (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence), emphasize mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. These principles reflect India’s commitment to fostering positive relations with other countries, particularly in the context of post-colonial aspirations and non-alignment during the Cold War. While these values help build India’s diplomatic credibility, they have sometimes faced challenges in practice, as India navigates complex geopolitical situations, particularly with neighbors like Pakistan and China. Overall, Panchsheel has strengthened India’s image as a peace-loving nation but has also faced criticisms for being idealistic in the face of realpolitik.
Critically discuss the main political, socio-economic, and strategic hurdles between “Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations” and how can both countries come out from the Cold War scenario?
Afghanistan-Pakistan relations have long been fraught with political, socio-economic, and strategic challenges. Politically, both nations have struggled with mistrust, particularly over the issue of border demarcation (Durand Line) and Pakistan’s support for the Taliban in Afghanistan. Socio-economically, both countries face poverty, instability, and underdevelopment, exacerbating tensions. Strategically, Pakistan’s concerns over Indian influence in Afghanistan and Afghanistan’s concerns about Pakistan’s military policies in the region have led to competing interests. Moving beyond the Cold War scenario requires both nations to engage in confidence-building measures, resolve border disputes, increase economic cooperation, and pursue a shared interest in regional stability to overcome the legacy of mistrust and foreign interference.
Discuss the “Moral Dimensions of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme.” Explain its essential features and justify its offensive gesture which maintained the national and regional strategic balance.
Pakistan’s nuclear program, developed primarily in response to India’s nuclear capabilities, has moral dimensions tied to security concerns, regional stability, and national defense. The program’s essential features include its focus on maintaining deterrence against India and ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty. Pakistan justifies its nuclear capability as a necessary step to maintain a strategic balance in the region, where it faces a much larger and more powerful neighbor. The offensive gesture of demonstrating nuclear capabilities, such as the 1998 nuclear tests, is framed as a defensive posture to ensure security rather than aggression, maintaining a deterrent effect that has prevented direct military confrontation in the region.
Critically discuss the fundamental factors of the “Greece Economic Crisis” which needed huge financial assistance from the European Union and IMF as debt relief to create “a breathing space” to stabilize the economy and explain out-of-the-box solutions for the crisis-ridden country.
The Greek economic crisis, which began in 2009, was triggered by high levels of public debt, fiscal mismanagement, and structural inefficiencies. Greece’s entry into the Eurozone masked these weaknesses, leading to unsustainable borrowing and economic imbalances. The European Union and IMF provided massive financial assistance, but it came with strict austerity measures, which worsened the economic situation by reducing public spending, increasing unemployment, and deepening poverty. Out-of-the-box solutions could involve debt restructuring, investment in sustainable industries, and reforming tax systems to improve efficiency without hurting the public. Long-term solutions could also focus on boosting exports and improving competitiveness while ensuring social safety nets.
Pakistan has formally joined Saudi Arabia’s led 34-state Islamic military alliance to contain terrorism and extremism in Southwest Asia. Critically discuss whether or not Pakistan participates in the newly formed military alliance against terrorism and explain its political, socio-cultural, and strategic implications on the country.
Pakistan’s participation in Saudi Arabia’s 34-state Islamic military alliance marks a significant shift in its foreign policy towards greater involvement in regional security. The alliance aims to combat terrorism and extremism in Southwest Asia, but its political implications are complex. Politically, Pakistan’s involvement aligns it more closely with Saudi Arabia, which could impact its relationship with Iran and other regional players. Socio-culturally, it may stir concerns about sectarian divisions, particularly given the Sunni-majority nature of the alliance. Strategically, while the alliance offers potential security benefits in countering terrorism, Pakistan must balance its own national interests, relationships with neighboring countries, and its historical ties to the United States. Participation could enhance Pakistan’s military standing but may also complicate its diplomatic efforts in the region.