Part-I (MCQs)
Q1
i. Which of the following best defines the concept of 'soft power' in international relations?
A. The use of military force to achieve national goals
B. The ability to influence other countries through economic sanctions
C. The capacity to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction
D. The use of intelligence and espionage to gain an advantage over other states
ii. The term 'balance of power' in international politics refers to:
A. A distribution of power among several states to prevent any one from dominating others
B. The power equilibrium between the legislative and executive branches of government
C. The economic balance between developed and developing countries
D. The balance between national security and human rights
iii. Which theory of International Political Economy suggests that states should protect their industries until they are competitive internationally?
A. Liberalism
B. Mercantilism
C. Constructivism
D. Neo-Marxism
iv. The 'Tragedy of the Commons' is a concept within which field of study?
A. International Law
B. International Political Economy
C. Environmental Security
D. Global Health Policy
v. 'National Interest' can be described as:
A. The cultural values and historical narratives of a nation
B. The aggregate of a state's diplomatic objectives and strategic goals
C. The international community's expectations from a sovereign state
D. The United Nations' agenda for sustainable development
vi. Which international institution primarily aims to provide financial stability across the globe?
A. World Trade Organization (WTO)
B. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
C. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
D. World Bank
vii. The concept of 'Security Dilemma' is most closely associated with which theoretical approach?
A. Feminism
B. Realism
C. Neo-liberalism
D. Post-modernism
viii. 'Détente' is a term used to describe:
A. An increase in hostile activities between states
B. A period of improved relations between states
C. A strategy of pre-emptive war
D. An economic strategy to counter inflation
ix. The 'Democratic Peace Theory' posits that:
A. Democracies are inherently more peaceful in their foreign policies than authoritarian regimes
B. Democracies often go to war for the sake of spreading democratic values
C. Democracies are less likely to engage in trade with non-democratic states
D. All peace treaties must be endorsed through a democratic process
x. Which of the following is NOT a source of international law?
A. International Conventions
B. Scholarly Articles
C. International Custom
D. Judicial Decisions
xi. Which international agreement is primarily concerned with nuclear non-proliferation?
A. Kyoto Protocol
B. Treaty of Versailles
C. Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
D. Geneva Conventions
xii. The 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) doctrine is related to:
A. Climate Change
B. Economic Sanctions
C. Humanitarian Intervention
D. Counter-Terrorism
xiii. What does the term 'Globalization' primarily describe?
A. The spread of local cultures to other parts of the world
B. The process of integrating economies, societies, and cultures through a global network of trade and communication
C. The domination of the world market by multinational companies
D. The global movement against capitalism
xiv. Which of the following best exemplifies 'Asymmetric Warfare'?
A. Conventional warfare between two states with similar military capabilities
B. Cyber attacks by non-state actors against a nation-state
C. Naval conflict between two global superpowers
D. Economic sanctions imposed by international organizations
xv. 'Constructivism' in international relations primarily focuses on:
A. Material resources and military power
B. Economic policies of states
C. The impact of social norms, identities, and ideas
D. The construction of international law
xvi. Who is considered the founder of the 'Classical Realist' school of thought in international relations?
A. Immanuel Kant
B. Thucydides
C. Karl Marx
D. John Mearsheimer
xvii. Which concept argues that international institutions can mitigate an anarchic international system?
A. Realism
B. Neo-Realism
C. Neo-Liberalism
D. Marxism
xviii. The 'Clash of Civilizations' theory was proposed by:
A. Francis Fukuyama
B. Samuel P. Huntington
C. John J. Mearsheimer
D. Edward H. Carr
xix. The 'International Security' approach that focuses on the environment, energy, and resource management is known as:
A. Traditional Security
B. Collective Security
C. Comprehensive Security
D. Non-Traditional Security
xx. 'Track Two Diplomacy' is characterized by:
A. Official governmental negotiations between two states
B. Informal interactions and problem-solving efforts undertaken by private individuals or groups
C. Military-to-military contacts during peacetime
D. Economic agreements between state-owned companies of different countries
Part-II (Descriptive)
- Answer any FOUR questions.
- Ensure your answers are well-structured and clear.
- Illustrations and examples may be used to clarify your explanations where necessary.
Q. No. 2. Elucidate the concept of 'National Interest' and its role in shaping foreign policy. Discuss with reference to contemporary international dynamics. (20)
Q. No. 3. Discuss the impact of globalization on state sovereignty. Provide examples of how states have adapted to the challenges posed by globalization. (20)
Q. No. 4. Analyze the relationship between economic interdependence and international security. How has the rise of digital economies influenced this dynamic? (20)
Q. No. 5. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the United Nations Security Council's approach to conflict resolution in the 21st century. (20)
Q. No. 6. Explain the relevance of 'Soft Power' in international relations today. How can states effectively leverage cultural influence in their foreign policy? (20)
Q. No. 7. Discuss the concept of 'Human Security' and how it has expanded the traditional understanding of security in international relations scholarship. (20)
Q. No. 8. Critically analyze the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in shaping international policy agendas. Provide examples of influential NGO activities in international affairs. (20)
