CSS international relations 2016 paper(a)
No. 2. Examine the concept of National Power and its essential ingredients. (20)
No. 3. Point out the main goals of Foreign Policy of states and determine the factors which influence its making and implementation. (20)
No. 4. What is the significance of Security to states? How far do you agree that international security has given way to global security in face of new challenges of Terrorism and Human Security? (20)
No. 5. Define International Law and explain its Nature. Is it of significance to the development of laws of war and their application? (20)
No. 6. Is war a rational act of state policy? Explain in view of the wars fought in the 20th century. (20)
No. 7. Keeping in view the Charter assess the working of the United Nations in the new millennium. (20)
No. 8. Write notes on any TWO of the following: (10 each)
(a) Feminism
(b) Neo-liberalism
(c) Social Constructivism (20)
Summary of Questions:
Examine the concept of National Power and its essential ingredients.
National power refers to a state’s ability to influence or control other states or events, ensuring its survival and achieving its objectives. The essential ingredients of national power include military strength, economic resources, political stability, technological capability, and the ability to form alliances. A state’s diplomatic influence, cultural power (soft power), and geographic location also contribute to its national power. The effective use of these elements determines how well a country can protect its interests, project power, and achieve national objectives both regionally and globally.
Point out the main goals of Foreign Policy of states and determine the factors that influence its making and implementation.
The main goals of a state’s foreign policy typically include ensuring national security, promoting economic interests, maintaining peaceful relations, and enhancing the country’s global stature. Factors influencing foreign policy include domestic political considerations, economic needs, national security concerns, public opinion, and the geopolitical environment. Additionally, historical relationships, international law, and the influence of powerful interest groups play roles in shaping a state’s foreign policy decisions and its ability to implement them effectively.
What is the significance of Security to states? How far do you agree that international security has given way to global security in the face of new challenges of Terrorism and Human Security?
Security is vital to a state’s sovereignty, stability, and functioning. Traditional national security focuses on protecting the state from external threats, while global security considers the broader challenges affecting multiple states, such as terrorism, environmental threats, and economic crises. With the rise of non-state actors, terrorism, and transnational issues like climate change, global security has become more integrated, shifting the focus from just protecting borders to ensuring human security—focusing on individuals’ well-being, health, and rights. This shift broadens the scope of security, addressing global interdependence and shared vulnerabilities.
Define International Law and explain its Nature. Is it of significance to the development of laws of war and their application?
International law is a set of rules and principles that govern relations between sovereign states and other international actors. It includes treaties, conventions, customary laws, and legal decisions that regulate matters such as human rights, trade, and armed conflict. Its nature is primarily consensual, as states must agree to its provisions. International law plays a crucial role in the development and application of laws of war, such as the Geneva Conventions, by setting guidelines for humane treatment during conflict and limiting the use of certain weapons, aiming to reduce suffering and protect civilians in war zones.
Is war a rational act of state policy? Explain in view of the wars fought in the 20th century.
War can be a rational act of state policy when a state believes that military action is necessary to protect its interests, achieve strategic goals, or respond to threats. In the 20th century, wars such as World War I, World War II, and Cold War conflicts were often driven by territorial expansion, ideological conflicts, and security concerns. However, the devastating consequences of modern warfare have led to a growing consensus on the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation to prevent conflicts. While war can be seen as a rational choice in some circumstances, it is increasingly viewed as a last resort due to the massive human and economic costs associated with it.
Keeping in view the Charter, assess the working of the United Nations in the new millennium.
The United Nations (UN), founded in 1945 to promote international cooperation, peace, and security, faces new challenges in the 21st century. The UN Charter emphasizes the importance of collective security and the peaceful resolution of disputes. However, in the new millennium, the UN has had mixed success. It has played crucial roles in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and conflict mediation but has struggled with issues like the ineffectiveness of the Security Council due to veto power, rising nationalism, and non-state threats like terrorism. Despite these challenges, the UN continues to be central in global governance, working on sustainable development, climate change, and human rights issues.
Write notes on any TWO of the following:
(a) Feminism
Feminism is a social, political, and ideological movement advocating for gender equality and the rights of women. Feminism seeks to challenge and dismantle systems of patriarchy and gender discrimination in various spheres, including the workplace, family, and education. Over time, feminism has evolved into several branches, such as liberal feminism, radical feminism, and intersectional feminism, each focusing on different aspects of gender inequality. Feminism also emphasizes women’s autonomy, reproductive rights, and equal access to opportunities and resources.
(b) Neo-liberalism
Neo-liberalism is an economic and political ideology that advocates for free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government intervention in the economy. It emphasizes the importance of individual entrepreneurship, competition, and global trade as drivers of prosperity. Neo-liberalism gained prominence in the 1980s, especially in the policies of leaders like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. While it has been credited with fostering global economic growth, it has also faced criticism for increasing inequality, reducing the welfare state, and prioritizing corporate interests over social welfare.
(c) Social Constructivism
Social constructivism is a theory in international relations that emphasizes the role of social structures, ideas, and identities in shaping global politics. According to this perspective, international relations are not solely determined by material forces like military power or economics, but by the shared beliefs, norms, and practices of actors. Social constructivists argue that reality is socially constructed through language, interaction, and culture. In contrast to more traditional theories like realism or liberalism, constructivism focuses on how ideas and identities shape the behavior of states and international institutions.