MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

Meaning and Approaches of Political Theory

1. Meaning and Approaches of Political Theory:

• Discuss the evolution and significance of Political Theory, examining how it has been viewed
as a "master science" and an "arduous calling." Evaluate its role in understanding and solving
the problems of group life and political organization, considering various analytical
perspectives.

2. Normative Approach:

• Examine the importance of the normative approach in Political Theory, discussing its
arguments in contrast to empirical approaches. How does the normative method contribute
to the understanding of political values, principles, and practices?

3. Empirical Approach:

• Compare and contrast the normative and empirical approaches to Political Theory. How do
these approaches differ in their methodology, focus, and analysis of political phenomena?

4. Historical Approach:

• Discuss the relevance and significance of the contextualist approach to the study of Political
Theory. How does understanding the historical context of political ideas and practices enhance
our comprehension of political theory?

5. Behavioral Approach:

• Analyze the behavioral approach to Political Theory, discussing its development, significance,
and limitations. How did it emerge as a response to normative and Marxist approaches, and
what led to its decline in political analysis?

6. Post-Behavioral Approach:

• Evaluate the post-behavioral approach in Political Theory, focusing on its critique of

behavioralism and its attempt to address the fact-value dichotomy. How does post-
behavioralism seek to enhance the status and scope of political science?

7. Decline and Resurgence of Political Theory:

• Discuss the factors leading to the decline of Political Theory and the subsequent resurgence of
interest in it. What were the challenges faced during its decline, and what new perspectives
and approaches have contributed to its revival?

8. System Analysis Approach:

• Critically examine the utility and limitations of systems theory in political analysis, considering
both its contributions to understanding political systems and the critiques regarding its
application. How do models like David Easton's system analysis and structural-functional
analysis shape modern political science?

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

Theories of State:

Liberal

1. How do Rousseau's view of the state as governed by laws, TH Green's emphasis on will over
force as the basis of the state, and McIver's concept of the General Will align with JS Mill's idea
of the state's worth being tied to the worth of its individuals?

Neoliberal

1. How does the neoliberal perspective of the state address criticisms of the neoliberal theory,
and what are the theoretical foundations and challenges of this perspective?

Marxist

1. How do Marx's materialistic understanding of the state, Lenin's concept of the state as a result
of class antagonism, and the relationship between base and superstructure explain the state’s
role in the dictatorship of the proletariat?

Pluralist

1. How do pluralist arguments against sovereignty, the impact of pluralist democracies on the
nation-state, and Laski’s views on federalism shape our understanding of state authority and
sovereignty in modern democracies?

Post-colonial

1. How does Hamza Alavi's concept of the overdeveloped state and the broader postcolonial
theory contribute to our understanding of state dynamics and challenges in postcolonial
contexts?

Feminist

1. How does the feminist critique of the state challenge traditional state theories, and what does
it reveal about gender dynamics in state structures?

State in Contemporary World

1. What are the effects of globalization on state sovereignty and the modern nation-state, and
how do these changes reflect the current challenges to state authority in the global context?

Theories of Justice

1. Explain the key concepts of Rawls' theory of justice, focusing on the "original position," "veil
of ignorance," and their implications for liberty and equality.

2. Critically assess the communitarian critiques of Rawls' theory of justice, especially regarding
the principles of distributive justice and the role of consensus in achieving social justice.

3. Compare Rawls' conception of justice with classical ideas, particularly the Greek perspective,
and evaluate how Rawls has enriched liberal thought on justice.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

Theories of Equality

1. Discuss the distinction between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. How
does equality mean fair treatment rather than equal treatment?
2. Explain the relationship between equality and liberty, focusing on how liberty is a
precondition for equality. Discuss Marx’s notion of freedom in this context.
3. Examine the concept of affirmative action and its importance in promoting equal
opportunity. Why is affirmative action considered essential for achieving equality?

Theories of Rights

1. Analyze the evolution of human rights from natural rights to collective and environmental
rights. How does the idea of natural rights relate to modern human rights?

2. Critically examine cultural relativism and multicultural perspectives on human rights. Can
there be a universal conception of human rights?

Power, Hegemony and Ideology, Legitimacy

1. Power: Compare Marx and Weber's perspectives on power and authority, and discuss how
reliance on authority influences the nature of power.
2. Hegemony and Ideology: Define ideology and critically examine the end of ideology debate,
linking it to the end of history discussion.
3. Legitimacy: Explain the relationship between power, authority, and legitimacy, and discuss the
conditions required for maintaining legitimacy in modern societies.

Political Ideologies:

1. Liberalism: Discuss the communitarian critique of liberalism, and explain whether you agree
with the view that liberal democracy has won the historic battle of ideologies.
2. Multiculturalism: What do you understand by multiculturalism? Discuss Bhikhu Parekh's views
on multiculturalism and relate them to Berlin's notion of value pluralism.
3. Socialism: Define socialism and discuss its key features, including Fabian socialism, and
evaluate the view that socialism in the 21st century may be reborn as anti-capitalism.
4. Marxism: Analyse the post-Marxian development in socialist thought and evaluate the
contemporary relevance of Marxism.
5. Fascism: Examine the conception of the state in the ideologies of fascism and Marxism, and
discuss Laski's view of fascism as the destruction of liberal ideas and institutions.
6. Feminism: Distinguish between liberal, socialist, and radical feminism, and discuss the feminist
slogan "Personal is Political" in the context of ecofeminism and Simone de Beauvoir's views on
gender inequality.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

Indian Political Thought :

1. Dharmashastra and Arthashastra: Compare and contrast Dharmashastra and Arthashastra

with reference to state power, focusing on the significance of Dharma and Kautilya’s Saptanga
theory of the state.

2. Buddhist Traditions: Evaluate the contributions of Buddhist traditions to Indian political

thought and assess whether they have provided a greater ethical foundation to ancient Indian
political philosophy.

3. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: Assess the role of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan as a modernizer and reformer
in modern India, in light of his views on arts, learning, and their relationship to poverty.

4. Sri Aurobindo: Discuss Sri Aurobindo Ghosh’s views on cultural nationalism, spiritual
nationalism, and his belief in Swaraj as essential for India’s destiny.

5. M.K. Gandhi: Explain Gandhi’s ideas regarding the state, focusing on his critique of
modernization, anarchism, and his concept of Swaraj in relation to modern democracy.

6. B.R. Ambedkar: Discuss Ambedkar’s critique of Marxism and his ideas on social justice,
focusing on his concept of state socialism and the relationship between political and social
democracy.

7. M.N. Roy: Analyse M.N. Roy’s ideational journey from Marxism to Radical Humanism,
highlighting the key components of his thought during both phases.

Western Political Thought

Plato
Explain Plato’s concept of reality, education, and justice, focusing on his theory of ideas, his views on
philosopher-kings, and his critique of democracy.

Aristotle
Discuss Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s idealism and his views on political constitutions, natural slavery,
and the role of law and nature in politics.

Machiavelli
Examine Machiavelli’s views on power, statecraft, and the separation of politics from morality,
including his use of empirical methods in political analysis.

Hobbes
Discuss Hobbes’ ideas on the state of nature, social contract, and political obligation, and his shift from
individualism to absolutism.

Locke
Analyze Locke’s theories of property, civil society, and the preservation of individual rights, focusing on
his contribution to liberalism.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

John Stuart Mill

Explicate Mill’s views on liberty, freedom of speech, and women’s suffrage, highlighting his role as a
reluctant democrat.

Karl Marx
Discuss Marx’s analysis of class struggle, alienation, and the relationship between material production
and social conditions, along with his critique of capitalism.

Gramsci
Explain Gramsci’s concept of hegemony, distinguishing between domination and consent, and his
notion of organic intellectuals.

Hannah Arendt
Critically examine Hannah Arendt’s analysis of power, totalitarianism, and her conceptual triad of labor,
work, and action.

Indian Government and Politics

Indian Nationalism

Political Strategies of India’s Freedom Struggle

1. Nationalist Movements (Swaraj, Swadeshi, and Sarvodaya):

o How did the Swadeshi Movement and the concept of Swaraj contribute to the Indian
National Movement?

o Differentiate between moderate nationalism and extremist/militant nationalism in

terms of their objectives and methods.

2. Mahatma Gandhi’s Role:

o How did Gandhi transform political and non-political movements into a unified
nationalist movement? Discuss his role in the Indian National Movement.

3. Civil Disobedience and Revolutionary Movements:

o What was the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement? How did it differ from
earlier non-cooperation and militant movements?

4. Peasant Movements and Nationalism:

o Explain how peasant movements promoted nationalist ideas and contributed to the
struggle for Indian independence.

Perspectives on the Indian National Movement

1. Liberal, Socialist, and Marxist Views:

o Compare the liberal, socialist, and Marxist interpretations of the Indian National
Movement. Assess the contribution of socialists and Marxists in shaping its ideology
and actions.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

2. Militant and Revolutionary Influence:

o Examine the significance of militant and revolutionary movements in the Indian

National Movement. How did these movements influence the overall struggle?

3. Radical Humanist and Dalit Perspectives:

o Analyze the radical humanist and Dalit interpretations of the Indian National
Movement. How do these perspectives challenge mainstream historical narratives?

4. Anti-Imperialism and Radicalization:

o Evaluate the Indian National Movement's progression as both an anti-imperialist

struggle and a radical socio-economic and political movement.

Making of the Indian Constitution

How did concerns over national unity, social inequality, and cultural diversity, along with the legacies
of British rule (Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, Simon Commission, Government of India Acts), and
the influence of leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Ambedkar, shape the framing of the Indian
Constitution, considering both internal and external pressures?

Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

1. How does the Preamble reflect the core principles of the Indian Constitution, and how have
terms like "socialist" and "secular" been interpreted in light of India’s political and economic
changes?

2. How have Fundamental Rights, particularly Article 32, and Fundamental Duties evolved in
India’s constitutional framework, and what challenges have emerged in areas like social justice,
privacy, and education?

3. How have the Directive Principles of State Policy contributed to social and economic justice,
and how relevant are they in the current era of liberalization and globalization?

4. What are the key differences between parliamentary sovereignty and supremacy, and how do
constitutional amendments, such as the 42nd and 99th amendments, impact the Indian
Parliament’s authority?

5. Discuss the role of Judicial Review and the Basic Structure Doctrine in preserving the Indian
Constitution, with reference to landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati and Golaknath.

Principal Organs of the Government

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

1. How has the relationship between the executive and legislature evolved globally and in India,
particularly in the context of coalition governments, minority governments, and the increasing
role of the Prime Minister and President in a federal system?

2. Evaluate the role of bureaucracy in India’s nation-building, with reference to Weber's theory
of bureaucracy, corruption, and the debate on lateral entry into higher civil services.

3. What are the key roles of the Indian legislature beyond law-making, and how effective has the
Parliament been in addressing issues like corruption and maintaining its relevance in
contemporary politics?

4. How does the Supreme Court function as the guardian of the Constitution, and what are the
ongoing debates regarding the appointment of judges and the evolving jurisdiction of the
Court?

5. Examine the concept of judicial activism in India, discussing its impact on executive-legislative
relations, social change, and the balance of power within the government.

6. Discuss the role of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India and its connection to judicial activism.
How has PIL shaped judicial behaviour and governance?

7. Critically examine the role and powers of Governors and Lieutenant Governors in India,
especially during constitutional crises and in relation to discretionary powers.

Grassroots Democracy

1. How have the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments impacted grassroots democracy in
India, particularly regarding the roles and structures of Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban
local bodies, and what significance do they hold for gender and social justice?
2. Examine the relationship between Panchayati Raj Institutions and district administration in
promoting good governance, and analyze the effectiveness of political and administrative
decentralization at the grassroots level.
3. To what extent have grassroots democratic institutions, particularly after the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment, succeeded in empowering women and accelerating rural
development, despite existing limitations?

Statutory Institutions/Commissions

1. Evaluate the roles and effectiveness of various statutory institutions and commissions in India,
including the Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, and National
Commissions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women, and Minorities, in promoting
good governance and protecting rights.
2. Discuss the structure, functions, and impact of the NITI Aayog and its relevance in modern
governance, particularly in relation to federalism and inter-state cooperation.
3. Can modern democratic institutions in India be insulated from political influences? Discuss the
challenges faced by these institutions in maintaining their independence and effectiveness.

Federalism:

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

1. Discuss the concept of cooperative federalism in India, its uniqueness, challenges, problems,
and how it compares to other federal structures, including the impact of policies like GST and
NEET on the Centre-State relationship.

2. Critically analyze the constitutional provisions related to federalism, such as Articles 2 and 3,
and discuss whether political factors, rather than constitutional law, ultimately determine
Centre-State relations, highlighting the cooperative trends, contested areas, and the role of
the Sarkaria Commission in shaping these dynamics.

3. Examine the case for the formation of smaller states in India, considering the shift in demands
for state creation and its impact on regional aspirations.

4. Discuss the nature of inter-state disputes in India, with a focus on water disputes, the
effectiveness of existing resolution mechanisms, and the role of the Inter-State Council in
resolving such conflicts.

Planning and Economic Development:

1. Compare the Nehruvian and Gandhian models of development, discussing their contemporary
relevance, the impact of post-1991 economic reforms, and whether these reforms marked a
significant departure from the Nehruvian approach.

2. Examine the role of planning and the public sector in India's economic development, focusing
on centralized versus decentralized planning, the effects of disinvestment and privatization,
and how planning has influenced federalism and modernization trends since liberalization.

3. Discuss the Green Revolution's impact on sustainable agricultural development in India, its
political fallout, and whether a second Green Revolution is necessary to address current
agrarian challenges.

4. Analyze the relationship between democracy, development, and environmental movements

in India, considering how these factors have shaped economic development policies and
administration since independence.

5. Evaluate the effectiveness of land reforms in addressing rural poverty and examine the
underlying causes of the agrarian crisis in India.

6. Discuss the impact of economic liberalization and reforms since 1991 on Indian politics and
development, including the New Economic Policy, the shift to developmental politics, uneven
development among states, and the reasons for modest improvements in social outcomes
despite economic growth.

Role in Indian Politics:

1. Discuss the influence of identity politics in India, including the roles of caste, religion, ethnicity,
and regionalism, on political behavior and nation-building. How have these factors evolved,
and what impact do they continue to have on the stability of Indian politics?

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

2. Critically examine the impact of caste in Indian politics, focusing on its interaction with class,
the emergence of backward classes (OBC politics), and whether development politics has
overshadowed caste-based electoral behavior.

3. Analyze the role of religion in Indian politics, including its effect on regionalism, communalism,
and electoral politics in contemporary times.

4. Examine the dynamics of ethnic politics in India, with an emphasis on ethnic separatism,
conflicts in the North-East, and the relationship between ethnicity and democracy.

Party System:

1. Discuss the evolution of the Indian party system, focusing on the shift from one-party
dominance to coalition politics and the impact of charismatic leadership, personality factors,
and intra-party democracy on Indian politics.

2. Examine the rise and role of regional political parties in Indian politics, including their influence
on the national stage and the impact of the country’s federal structure, electoral system, and
social cleavages.

3. Analyze the ideological and social bases of political parties in India, with reference to the
marginalization of left ideology and the changing socio-economic profile of legislators.

Coalition Politics:

4. Critically assess the impact of coalition politics on the Indian political system, including how it
has transformed federalism and governance in India from the late 1990s to the present.

Pressure Groups:

5. Discuss the role and influence of pressure groups in Indian politics, including trade unions,
movements, and groups like the RSS, on public policy-making and their differentiation from
political parties.

Electoral Behavior:

6. Examine the changing patterns of electoral behavior in India, considering factors like caste, the
rise in political participation among marginalized communities, and how the socio-economic
profile of legislators impacts democracy.

Electoral Democracy:

7. Discuss the nature and scope of electoral reforms in India, considering the implications of
EVMs and the potential role of state intervention in strengthening electoral democracy.

Social Movements:

1. Examine the nature, scope, and impact of civil liberties and human rights movements in India,
considering their influence on Indian democracy and the dilemmas they face.

2. Discuss the scope, limitations, and historical significance of women's movements in India,
focusing on concepts like women's empowerment and key milestones such as the "Towards
Equality 1974" document.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

3. Critically analyze the environmentalist movements in India, including the Chipko Movement,
Narmada Bachao Andolan, and recent movements like Tuticorin, and discuss their impact on
government policies and tribal communities.

Nature and Scope:

1. Discuss the nature and significance of comparative politics, including the changing nature of
the field and the role of cross-global investigation. Explain the political economy approach and
outline the limitations of comparative political analysis.

Comparative Politics and International Relations

Comparative Politics:

Major Approaches:

Compare traditional and modern approaches to comparative politics, highlighting differences between
the traditional legal-institutional approach and the modern approach. Discuss the structural-functional
approach, its focus on status-quoism, and the major approaches including the political economy
approach.

Political Economy:

Examine the importance, limitations, and relevance of the political economy approach to comparative
politics, including a critical assessment of its Marxist aspects.

Political Sociology:

Explain how political sociology perspectives contribute to the understanding of socio-political

processes in different countries. Discuss the political-sociological approach in comparative politics and
its limitations.

Limitations:

Discuss the limitations of the comparative method in political analysis.

State Characteristics and Changing Nature:

1. Elucidate the role of the state as a primary actor in the global system, analyzing the factors
contributing to its creation and its continued primacy in international relations. Discuss how
interdependence among states and transnationalism impact the sovereignty and relevance of
nation-states.

2. Examine the concept of a minimal state and its implications for individual liberty. Discuss how
internal pressures and external threats contribute to what is commonly referred to as the
'crisis of the nation-state,' and describe the changing nature of the state in developing societies
with respect to inclusive growth in the 21st century.

3. Evaluate the assertion that modern constructs of the state and politics are Eurocentric, and
discuss whether they are appropriate for analyzing non-Western societies. Also, explain the
Modernization Thesis and its relevance to the success of India as the world’s largest
democracy.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

4. Analyze the Post-colonial state as an autonomous agency standing outside and above society.
Discuss how the concept of sovereignty and the role of the state have evolved in the context
of globalization and internal pressures.

Politics of Representation and Participation in Advanced Industrial and Developing Societies:

1. Analyze the nature of the political process in the Third World, focusing on how identity
influences political participation. Discuss whether the increased participation of the
underprivileged strengthens democracy or creates political chaos in developing societies,
providing relevant examples.

Political Parties:

2. Discuss the structural growth of modern political parties, highlighting the significance of
ideological and policy aspects. Explain how electoral systems and cleavages shape party
systems in developing countries. Also, examine how political parties and politics are the sine
qua non of democracy, comparing the Indian party system with both Western and indigenous
models.

Pressure Groups and Interest Groups:

3. Compare interest groups and pressure groups, analyzing their roles in promoting or
undermining democracy. Evaluate whether pressure groups in India are capable of fully
protecting or promoting their members' interests. Also, discuss the distinction between
economic and associational interest groups in developing countries' pressure politics.

Social Movements:

4. Evaluate whether the rise of social movements indicates an opening up of popular space in
the political process or a decline in representative politics. Discuss the characteristics of new
social movements (NSMs) and compare them with traditional movements, highlighting their
significance in both advanced industrial and developing societies.

5. Examine the LGBT movement's impact on political participation in both developed and
developing societies. Consider the challenges that NSMs face in the context of developing
countries and whether they could serve as an alternative strategy to link government and
society amidst the decline of traditional political parties.

Globalization and its Impact:

1. Explain the growing importance of multinational corporations (MNCs) and civil society in
contemporary international politics. Critically examine globalization from both Western and
Third World perspectives, including its nature, dynamics, and impact over the past 25 years.
Analyze whether globalization is merely the universalization of capitalist modernity or if it
embodies different forms in various regions, focusing on its impact on the internal functioning
of the state and on countries of the Global South.

2. Discuss the relationship between environmental degradation and neo-corporatism in the

globalized era. What is the "global village," and what factors have contributed to its growth?

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

Examine how economic and neoliberal globalization is being interrogated, even in developed
countries, and discuss its economic consequences.

Development and Underdevelopment:

3. From a Third World perspective, discuss the causes and cures of underdevelopment. Evaluate
the nature of the capitalist model of development, its usefulness, and limitations for
developing countries. Critically examine the view that development has dimensions larger
than just economic growth. Discuss whether multinational corporations (MNCs) serve as a
path to economic growth or perpetuate underdevelopment.

Approaches to the Study of International Relations:

4. Examine the necessity of developing a distinct theoretical framework for analyzing emerging
politics in the developing world. Discuss the main principles of state-centric worldviews and
the factors contributing to the shift from the "Billiard Ball Model" to the "Cobweb Model" in
international politics. Explore the core assumptions of different theoretical approaches, such
as Idealism, Realism, Marxism, Liberalism, Systems Theory, Decision-Making Theory, Game
Theory, and Feminist approaches.

5. Idealism: Discuss the core assumptions of idealism and its relevance in peacebuilding.

6. Realism: Analyze classical realism's assumptions, including the differences between classical
realism (Hans Morgenthau) and neorealism (Kenneth Waltz). Explore the critiques and
debates surrounding realism, including its effectiveness in explaining international relations
and cooperative behavior.

7. Marxism: Examine the Marxist approach to international politics and its relevance in the
context of globalization. Discuss whether dependency theory offers a robust critique of
mainstream development in Africa and Latin America. Debate whether Marxist approaches
are based on economic reductionism and their relevance in the post-Cold War era.

8. Liberalism: Critically examine the functionalist approach and interdependence theories in the
context of globalization. Discuss the critiques of liberal internationalism and whether it is
Eurocentric or imperialist in nature.

9. Systems Theory: Discuss the systems approach to international relations, including Kaplan's
system theory and the world-systems approach developed by Immanuel Wallerstein.

10. Decision-Making Theory: Analyze how decision-making in international politics is influenced

by external and internal environments, and examine its role as a tool for foreign policy analysis.

11. Game Theory: Comment on the application and limitations of game theory in the study of
international politics.

12. Feminism: Discuss the feminist approach to international politics and whether it is biased.

National Interest

• Question: Discuss the dynamic nature of national interest in contemporary world politics,
highlighting the factors and instruments that influence its promotion.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

Security

• Question: Critically examine the changing nature of national security in recent times and
explain why global human security needs to be emphasized alongside economic security.

Power

• Question: Analyze the sources of national power, such as effective governance, information
technology, and soft power, and evaluate whether power in international relations is a zero-
sum or variable game.

Balance of Power

• Question: Explain the concept of the balance of power, its rules, techniques for maintaining it,
and assess its relevance in the current global architecture.

Deterrence

• Question: Discuss the future of nuclear deterrence and evaluate whether preventive war can
be an effective substitute.

Transnational Actors

• Question: Elaborate on how transnational actors have become driving forces in global politics
and examine their impact on the nature of the modern state.

Collective Security

• Question: Examine the role of alliances in power politics and discuss the balance between
security and liberty in the context of collective security and defense mechanisms.

Diplomacy

• Question: Discuss the significance of diplomacy in international relations, comparing the roles
of open versus secret diplomacy, especially in the nuclear age.

Changing International Political Order:

Changing International Political Order

• Rise of Superpowers: Discuss the emergence of superpowers and the strategic and ideological
bipolarity that shaped the international political order during the Cold War.

Arms Race

• Analyze the forces promoting international arms races, considering both domestic political
interests and barriers to arms control.

Cold War

• Examine the rise and fall of the Cold War, highlighting its major events, the differences
between the post-Cold War global order and its predecessor, and the role of rim countries in
promoting peace in the post-Cold War era.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

Nuclear Threat

• Discuss the impact of nuclear weapons on international relations, with a focus on non-
proliferation efforts, the evolution of the NPT, and the nuclear issue in the post-Cold War era.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

• Assess the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement in the contemporary world, including its
aims, achievements, and challenges in the post-Cold War period, along with a comparison of
Non-alignment 1.0 and 2.0.

Collapse of the Soviet Union

• Discuss the collapse of the Soviet Union, its impact on international politics, and its positive
and negative effects on developing nations.

Unipolarity and American Hegemony

• Critically examine American hegemony in the unipolar world, its challenges in the post-Soviet
era, and the implications of the recent decline of the USA as a global hegemon.

Multipolar World

• Identify the benefits of a multipolar world and discuss its significance in contemporary
international politics.

1. From Bretton Woods to WTO:

• Discuss the evolution from the Bretton Woods system to the World Trade Organization (WTO),
focusing on the role of GATT, intellectual property rights, and the impact on developing
countries. How do non-state actors like the IMF, World Bank, EU, and MNCs influence
international relations? Evaluate the USA's role in the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and
its implications for the WTO’s future.

2. Socialist Economies and the CMEA:

• How has the development of global capitalism altered the nature of socialist economies and
developing societies, and what role did the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA)
play in this transformation?

3. Third World Demand for a New International Economic Order:

• Examine the problems and prospects of South-South economic cooperation, the shift from
conflicts between socialism and capitalism to North vs. South, and the unjust and hegemonic
aspects of the existing international economic order. Discuss the importance of the third world
movement for global justice and South-South cooperation, and analyze the factors causing the
North-South divide in the context of globalization.

4. Globalization of the World Economy:

• Analyze the contradictions between internationalism and globalization, the impact of

liberalization and globalization on developing countries, and how geo-economics has replaced
geopolitics. Trace the journey of global political economy from the Washington Consensus to
the present.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

United Nations:

1. Envisaged Role and Actual Record:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations in fulfilling its envisaged role versus its actual
record. Discuss its functioning as a microcosm of world politics, its ability to address neo-
imperialism, and its transformation from a security-oriented body to a social service
organization. Assess the challenges and prospects of the UN in becoming a world state, its role
in international relations, and its success in maintaining international order in the post-Cold
War period. How has the predominance of the USA in UN funding affected its decision-making,
and to what extent has the UN been successful in combating transnational terrorism?

2. Specialized UN Agencies:

• Discuss the aims and functioning of specialized UN agencies, focusing on the International
Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Evaluate the role of the
ICJ in inter-State disputes and its compulsory jurisdiction, and analyze the effectiveness of the
ILO in promoting human welfare. How relevant and legitimate are the world governance
mechanisms dominated by the IMF and World Bank, and what improvements can be made?

3. UN Peacekeeping Force:

• Critically assess the need for a permanent UN peacekeeping force and its role in domestic
conflicts.

4. Need for UN Reforms:

• Examine the major impediments to UN Security Council reform and argue for the necessity of
UN reform in the context of the changing global environment. Evaluate the effectiveness of
past reforms, including those related to economic and social arrangements, and discuss the
significance and urgency of further reforms. What measures have been taken for UN reforms,
and how do these reforms impact the concept of sovereignty and global governance?

Regionalisation of World Politics

1. European Union (EU):

• Discuss the impact of the EU on global politics, including its success as a regional organization,
the effects of Brexit, and its influence on the world economy and India.

2. ASEAN:

• Evaluate ASEAN's role in promoting regional peace and security through economic
cooperation and its success as a regional organization.

3. APEC:

• Assess APEC as a regional economic and trade arrangement.

4. SAARC:

• Discuss the challenges faced by SAARC and suggest ways to reinvigorate the organization.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

5. NAFTA:

• Analyze the impact of NAFTA on migration and the consequences of Trump's proposal to
withdraw from it.

6. BIMSTEC:

• Evaluate BIMSTEC’s role in multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation.

7. Regional Organisations / Regional Cooperation:

• Comment on the significance of various regional organizations and cooperation mechanisms,

including G-77, CIS, OAU, Russia-NATO relations, and the Maastricht Treaty.

Contemporary Global Concerns:

1. Democracy:

• Compare the advantages of democracy and autocracy in preventing political violence, and
discuss how the struggle for representation has influenced the quality of democracy in
industrial societies. Examine the impact of the Arab Street revolutions on West Asian politics
and the challenges faced in promoting democracy in developing countries.

2. Human Rights:

• Evaluate the evolution of human rights protection, including the role of international law and
the UN system, and discuss the inclusion of women's rights and personal data protection.
Analyze the concept of "Asian Values" in human rights debates and the relevance of human
rights in the globalized era.

3. Environment:

• Discuss the global response to environmental degradation, focusing on key agreements like
Agenda 21, the Paris Climate Agreement, and India's proposals at COP-26. Compare Sino-
Indian approaches to environmental concerns and evaluate the challenges and future
prospects for climate control and sustainable development.

4. Gender Justice:

• Examine the global significance of gender justice, including the contributions of global
feminism, the role of gender in the global economy, and the impact of UN Security Council
Resolution 1325 on women's security in conflict zones.

5. Terrorism:

• Discuss whether terrorism is an essentially contested concept and examine the different
manifestations of terrorism and its impact on civilization.

6. Nuclear Proliferation:

• Assess the implications of the global diffusion of nuclear technology, the prospects for a
nuclear-weapons-free world, and the role of norms and deterrence in nuclear proliferation.
Analyze the impact of the Trump-Kim summit on denuclearization efforts in the Korean
Peninsula.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

7. Major Issues of World Politics:

• Evaluate the impact of the oil crisis on India, the roots and implications of the Afghan civil war,
and the consequences of the Iraq and Gulf wars. Discuss the effects of Trump's "America First"
and Xi's "Chinese Dream" on world politics, and analyze the growth of WMD and its impact on
international security.

8. Arab-Israel Conflict:

• Analyze the Palestinian homeland issue, the prospects for peace in West Asia, and the role of
the US and Israeli policies. Examine the conflict as a struggle between nationalisms and the
impact of Hamas on peace efforts.

India and the World

Indian Foreign Policy:

1. Critique and Foundations:

• Critique India's foreign policy, including its pre-independence origins, philosophical

foundations, and the claim of India's rich strategic culture. Discuss the evolution and significant
shifts in India's foreign policy since 1991.

2. Determinants of Foreign Policy:

• Discuss how domestic problems, historical legacies, coalition politics, and the social structure
influence India's foreign policy. Analyze the impact of geographical location, the Indian
National Movement, and domestic turmoil in neighboring countries. Evaluate the role of
energy security and maritime security, and how constituent states and federal units influence
policy-making.

3. Institutions and Policy-Making:

• Examine the role of the Ministry of External Affairs, the rise of the Prime Minister's Office
(PMO), and parliamentary diplomacy in shaping India's foreign policy. Assess the importance
of the National Security Council and the establishment of a public diplomacy division.

4. Continuity and Change:

• Evaluate the main challenges to India's foreign policy over the past two decades, focusing on
strategic and domestic issues. Discuss the continuity and change in policy since the Sino-Indian
war of 1962, and analyze the impact of neoliberal outlook and pragmatism in the post-Cold
War era.

India’s Contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement:

• Discuss India's contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) and its evolution over
time. Evaluate the relevance of NAM in the post-Cold War era and India's current role in the
movement. Analyze India's response to the Af-Pak policy of the US and the impact of domestic
social-political factors on India's pursuit of non-alignment.

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

1. Recent Developments in Indian Foreign Policy:

• Discuss India's stance on recent crises in Afghanistan, Iraq, and West Asia. Analyze the impact
of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, India's position on the Rohingya refugee issue, and
the implications of turmoil in Iraq and West Asia for India's security and foreign policy. Evaluate
the dynamics of India's relationship with Israel, including the impact on Palestinian statehood
and the significance of recent Indo-Israeli cooperation. Assess India's policy on balancing
relations between Israel and the Arab world.

2. Growing Relations with the US and Israel:

• Analyze the rapid growth of relations between India and Israel, and evaluate the key sectors
of cooperation between the two countries since 2014. Discuss the implications of economic
interests changing the main component of India's foreign policy and the humanitarian role
played by India in crisis-stricken Gulf countries.

3. Vision of a New World Order:

• Discuss India's vision of a new world order and the policy initiatives taken by India in this
regard. Evaluate the challenges faced by India in shaping the emerging world order.

4. Major Issues in Indian Foreign Policy / Diplomacy:

• Assess the implications of nuclear weapons development in the neighborhood on India's

defense strategy. Analyze the causes of insurgency and terrorism in India and the effectiveness
of state policies in countering them. Discuss the economic content of India's foreign trade and
its diplomatic engagements. Evaluate how improving relations with neighboring countries can
manage ethnic conflicts and insurgencies in Northeast India. Analyze the role of the Indian
Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in promoting India's soft power.

5. India’s Contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement:

• Discuss India's contribution to the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) and its evolution over
time. Evaluate the relevance of NAM in the post-Cold War era and India's current role in the
movement. Analyze India's response to the Af-Pak policy of the US and the impact of domestic
social-political factors on India's pursuit of non-alignment.

India and South Asia:

• Assess SAARC's performance and future prospects, including obstacles and constraints.
Analyze the prospects of a South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and the implications of India's
'Look East' policy. Discuss the strategic implications of transforming 'Look East' into 'Act East'
policy. Evaluate India's response to regional issues such as river water disputes, illegal cross-
border migration, and ethnic conflicts.

7. Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia:

• Discuss the Indus Water Treaty and its significance. Evaluate the prospects for cooperative
relations between India and Pakistan in light of recent developments and confidence-building
measures. Analyze the political and environmental aspects of the Siachen Glacier conflict and
India's capacity-building role in Afghanistan. Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory
in recent India-Pakistan standoffs.

8. India and Its Neighbors in South Asia:

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

• Evaluate India's role and consequences in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Discuss
persistent points of friction and the prospects for greater cooperation between India and its
neighbors. Analyze the impact of hydropolitics on Indo-Bangladesh relations and the
implications of cross-border terrorism on peace and security in South Asia. Discuss the ethnic
conflicts and cross-border migrations along the India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders.

1. India and Africa:

• Analyze India's Africa policy and contributions to nation-building in South Africa.

Discuss measures to enhance the partnership with Africa and evaluate the impact of
India’s ITEC programs.

2. India and Latin America:

• Describe and assess India’s relationship with Latin America, identifying reasons for the
decline in presence and suggesting improvements.

3. IBSA Dialogue Forum:

• Explain how India leverages the IBSA Dialogue Forum to pursue its foreign policy
objectives and enhance its role in South-South cooperation.

4. India's Interest in Africa:

• Identify the drivers behind India’s increased interest in Africa and how the guiding
principles of India-Africa relations seek to enhance mutual cooperation.

5. India and Global Economic Institutions:

• Discuss India’s leadership role in shaping the New International Economic Order
(NIEO) and its influence on the WTO and IMF negotiations. Evaluate how these
institutions have impacted India’s political and economic sovereignty.

India and the Global Centres of Power:

1. India and the USA:

• Analyze the development of Indo-US relations since the end of the Gulf War, including
key factors that have influenced changes. Discuss major developments and trends,
such as the civil nuclear cooperation agreement and the impact of strategic and
diplomatic shifts. Evaluate the role of the Indian diaspora and the implications of the
relationship for India's security.

2. India and the EU:

• Examine the evolution of India-EU relations, including trends and current issues.
Discuss how Brexit has impacted these relations and evaluate the extent to which the
partnership can be considered strategic.

3. India and Japan:

• Evaluate recent developments in Indo-Japan relations, focusing on emerging areas of

cooperation and strategic partnerships. Discuss the significance of agreements such

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 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR PSIR 2024

as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and how these reflect a
closer economic and strategic relationship in response to regional dynamics.

4. India and China:

• Analyze the changes in China's policy towards India since the 1990s, considering both
global and domestic factors. Discuss the impact of the Sino-Indian conflict of 1962,
current issues such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and the ongoing tensions in the
Brahmaputra River water-sharing and the South China Sea dispute. Evaluate the
potential for improving bilateral relations.

5. India and Russia:

• Discuss the key drivers of Indo-Russian relations in the post-Cold War era and the
current state of these relations. Analyze areas of cooperation and recent differences,
and evaluate the historical roots and mutual benefits of the partnership.

1. India and the UN Peacekeeping:

• Evaluate India's role and contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, including its

historical involvement and recent trends. Discuss the impact of India's consistent
contributions on global disarmament and how it reflects on India's commitment to
international peacekeeping.

2. India and the UN Security Council:

• Examine India's claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, including the
justification for this claim and the obstacles faced. Discuss how India's perspective on
Security Council reforms aligns with its broader goals in global governance and the
challenges posed by opposition groups like 'Uniting for Consensus'.

3. India and the Nuclear Question:

• Analyze India's stance on nuclear treaties such as the CTBT and NPT, including the
reasons behind its opposition and its implications for India's nuclear policy. Discuss
how India's nuclear doctrine and recent developments might influence its approach
to global nuclear order and disarmament.

4. Changing Perceptions and Policy:

• Discuss India's evolving nuclear policy, including its nuclear doctrine and the potential
need for policy changes in response to regional strategic challenges. Evaluate the
socio-economic impacts of the arms race and the effectiveness of India's 'No First Use'
policy in the current geopolitical context.

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