UPSC Mains 2018 PSIR Optional Paper II questions

31 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All PSIR Optional PYQs

1. Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics. Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative Politics.

   10 marks

2. Describe the changing nature of the State in the developing societies in the context of inclusive growth in the 21** century.

   10 marks

3. How big a role does identity play in determining political participation in the developing countries? Discuss your answer with suitable illustrations.

   10 marks

4. Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz.

   10 marks

5. What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country's soft power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world politics.

6. Discuss the significance of Non-Aligned Movement as a unique contribution of the Non-Western world to World Politics.

   20 marks

7. Discuss the consequences of Trump's "America First" and Xi's "Chinese Dream" on World Politics.

   15 marks

8. "Some feel Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are a vital new road to economic growth, whereas others feel they perpetuate underdevelopment." Discuss.

9. Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in conflict zones.

   20 marks

10. 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

11. "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

12. Critically examine the notion of "Asian Values" in the context of the on-going debates on human rights.

    20 marks

13. Discuss the implications of the Trump—Kim Singapore Summit on the prospects of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

    15 marks

14. Critically examine the Functionalist approach to the study of International Relations.

    15 marks

15. Do you agree with the view that the Indian Foreign Policy is increasingly being shaped by the Neoliberal outlook? Elaborate.

    10 marks

16. "India is often said to have a rich strategic culture." Discuss, Io

17. Evaluate India's stand on the recent KRohingya refugee issue.

    10 marks

18. "India's current foreign policy marks significant qualitative shifts from that. of the previous regimes." Discuss.

    10 marks

19. Analyse the significance of India's Lock East Policy in the light of concerns of the indigenous peoples of North-east India.

20. India's coalitional diplomacy within the WTO has earned it wide appreciation. What accounts for the success of India's coalitional diplomacy?

    20 marks

21. "India's capacity building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has earned much goodwill for it in Africa." Discuss.

    15 marks

22. "India's Research and Information System for Developing Countries" (RIS) is a major initiative in the area of South-South Cooperation. Discuss.

    15 marks

23. Discuss the role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India's soft power abroad.

    20 marks

24. Discuss the role of Indian diaspora in promoting Indo-US relations.

    15 marks

25. Discuss the various impediments in India's way to a permanent seat in the Security Council.

    15 marks

26. Do you think that India's capacity building role in Afghanistan has shrunk the strategic space for Pakistan there? Discuss.

    20 marks

27. Critically assess the evolving convergence of India and China in the areas of trade and environment.

    15 marks

28. Do you agree that the growing assertiveness of China is leading to multilayered Indo—Japan relations? Comment.

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