BPSC-134 Introduction of International Relations Assignment Answer 2023

BPSC-134: INTRODUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
(TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENTS)
Course code: BPSC-134
Assignment Code: BPSC-134/ASST/TMA/2022-23
Marks: 100
Assignment – I
Answer the following in about 500 words each.
1. Examine the causes of World War –I and its impact for Europe. 20
PDF1 Ans
Causes of World War One:
World War One was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was one of the deadliest
conflicts in human history, with an estimated 16 million people losing their lives. The causes of
World War One are complex and multifaceted, but some of the key factors that contributed to
the outbreak of war include:
1. Nationalism: Nationalism was a powerful force in Europe at the time, and many countries
were eager to assert their dominance over others. This led to tensions between nations, as
each sought to expand its territory and influence.
2. Imperialism: Imperialism was another major factor that contributed to the outbreak of war.
Many European powers had colonies around the world, and there was fierce competition for
resources and territory.
3. Militarism: Militarism refers to the glorification of military power and readiness for war. Many
European nations had large standing armies and were constantly seeking ways to improve their
military capabilities.
4. Alliances: In the years leading up to World War One, many European nations formed
alliances with one another in order to protect themselves from potential enemies. However,
these alliances also created a complex web of obligations that made it difficult for any one
nation to avoid being drawn into a conflict.
5. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The assassination of Archduke Franz
Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914 was the
immediate trigger for the outbreak of war.
Impact of World War One on Europe:
The impact of World War One on Europe was profound and far-reaching. Some of the key
consequences included:
1. Loss of life: The war resulted in an estimated 16 million deaths, including both military
personnel and civilians.
2. Economic devastation: The cost of fighting World War One was enormous, with many
countries going deeply into debt in order to finance their war efforts. This led to economic
instability and hardship in many parts of Europe.
3. Political upheaval: The war led to significant political changes in Europe, including the
collapse of several empires and the rise of new nations.
4. Social change: The war also had a profound impact on European society, with many people
experiencing trauma and loss as a result of the conflict.
5. Rise of fascism: The aftermath of World War One created conditions that were ripe for the
rise of fascist regimes in Europe, including Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Overall, World War One was a catastrophic event that had far-reaching consequences for
PDF2 Ans
Causes of World War One:
World War One was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was one of the deadliest
conflicts in human history, with an estimated 16 million people losing their lives. The causes of
World War One are complex and multifaceted, but some of the key factors that contributed to
the outbreak of war include:
1. Nationalism: Nationalism was a powerful force in Europe at the time, and many countries
were eager to assert their dominance over others. This led to tensions between nations and
created an atmosphere of competition and rivalry.
2. Imperialism: Many European powers were engaged in a race for colonies and territories
around the world. This led to conflicts over resources and trade routes, as well as tensions
between rival empires.
3. Militarism: The arms race between European powers was another factor that contributed to
the outbreak of war. Countries were building up their military forces and developing new
weapons technology, which created a sense of tension and unease.
4. Alliances: The system of alliances that existed in Europe at the time also played a role in the
outbreak of war. Countries had formed alliances with each other for protection, but this also
meant that if one country went to war, its allies would be drawn into the conflict as well.
5. Assassination: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a
Serbian nationalist was the immediate trigger for the outbreak of war. However, this event alone
would not have been enough to cause a global conflict if not for the underlying tensions and
rivalries between nations.
Impact for Europe:
The impact of World War One on Europe was profound and far-reaching. Here are some key
ways in which the war affected Europe:
1. Loss of life: The most obvious impact of World War One was the staggering loss of life it
caused. Millions of soldiers and civilians lost their lives in the conflict, and many more were
injured or traumatized.
2. Economic devastation: The war also had a devastating impact on the economies of Europe.
Many countries were left in ruins, with infrastructure destroyed and industries disrupted. The
cost of the war was enormous, and many countries struggled to recover in its aftermath.
3. Political upheaval: The war led to significant political changes in Europe. The Russian
Revolution of 1917 overthrew the Tsarist regime and established a communist government,
while the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany and set the stage for World
War Two.
4. Social change: The war also
2. Explain different theoretical approaches of international relations. 20
PDF3 Ans
International Relations is a complex and dynamic field that seeks to understand the interactions
between states, non-state actors, and international organizations. There are several theoretical
approaches to International Relations that provide different perspectives on how to analyze and
explain these interactions. In this essay, we will explore three of the most prominent theoretical
approaches: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism.
Realism is one of the oldest and most influential theoretical approaches in International
Relations. It is based on the assumption that states are the primary actors in international
politics and that they act in their own self-interest to maximize their power and security. Realists
believe that international politics is a zero-sum game where one state’s gain is another state’s
loss. They argue that states must be prepared to use force to protect their interests and
maintain their security.
Realists also believe that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no central
authority or world government to regulate state behavior. This leads to a constant struggle for
power among states, which can result in conflict and war. Realists argue that diplomacy and
negotiation are important tools for managing this competition but ultimately believe that military
force is necessary for deterrence.
Liberalism is another important theoretical approach in International Relations. Unlike Realism,
Liberals believe that cooperation among states can lead to mutual benefits and peace. They
argue that international institutions such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and
International Monetary Fund can help promote cooperation by providing a forum for dialogue
and negotiation.
Liberals also emphasize the importance of democracy, human rights, and free markets in
promoting peace and prosperity. They argue that democratic states are less likely to go to war
with each other because they share common values such as respect for individual rights and
freedoms. Similarly, free trade can promote economic interdependence among states, which
reduces the likelihood of conflict.
Constructivism is a more recent theoretical approach in International Relations that emphasizes
the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping state behavior. Constructivists argue that the
international system is not just a collection of states pursuing their interests but also a social
construct that is shaped by shared beliefs and values.
Constructivists believe that ideas and norms can change over time, leading to shifts in state
behavior. For example, the idea of sovereignty has evolved over time from a principle of
absolute state authority to one that recognizes the importance of human rights and international
law. Constructivists also argue that identities such as nationalism and religion can shape state
behavior by creating a sense of community and shared purpose.
In conclusion, Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism are three
PDF4 Ans
International Relations (IR) is a complex and multidisciplinary field that seeks to understand the
interactions between states, non-state actors, and international organizations. There are several
theoretical approaches to IR that attempt to explain these interactions. In this essay, we will
discuss some of the most prominent theoretical approaches of international relations.
Realism is one of the oldest and most influential theories in IR. It argues that states are the
primary actors in international politics and that they are motivated by self-interest. Realists
believe that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no central authority to enforce
rules or resolve conflicts. Therefore, states must rely on their own power to protect their
interests. Realists also believe that war is an inevitable part of international politics because it is
a way for states to gain power and security.
Liberalism is another important theory in IR. Unlike realism, liberalism emphasizes cooperation
and interdependence among states. Liberals argue that international institutions such as the
United Nations and World Trade Organization can help promote peace and prosperity by
providing a forum for negotiation and dispute resolution. They also believe that economic
interdependence can reduce the likelihood of conflict because it creates mutual benefits for
states.
Constructivism is a relatively new theory in IR that emphasizes the role of ideas, norms, and
identities in shaping international relations. Constructivists argue that state behavior is not solely
determined by material factors such as power or wealth but also by social factors such as
culture, language, and history. They believe that ideas such as democracy or human rights can
have a significant impact on state behavior.
Marxism is another important theory in IR that focuses on economic factors such as capitalism
and imperialism. Marxists argue that capitalism creates inequality between rich and poor
countries, which leads to conflict between them. They also believe that imperialism – the
practice of powerful countries dominating weaker ones – is a major source of conflict in
international politics.
Feminism is a relatively new approach to IR that focuses on gender issues. Feminists argue
that traditional IR theories have ignored the role of women in international politics and that
gender inequality is a major source of conflict. They also believe that women’s perspectives and
experiences can provide valuable insights into international relations.
In conclusion, there are several theoretical approaches to international relations, each with its
own strengths and weaknesses. Realism emphasizes power and self-interest, liberalism
emphasizes cooperation and interdependence, constructivism emphasizes ideas and norms,
Marxism emphasizes economic factors, and feminism emphasizes gender issues. While these
theories may differ in their assumptions and conclusions, they all seek to explain the complex
interactions between states, non-state
Assignment – II
Answer the following questions in about 250 words each.
1. Define Collective security and the purpose of UN collective security approach. 10
PDF1 Ans
Collective security is a concept in international relations that refers to the idea that nations can
work together to prevent aggression and maintain peace. The basic premise of collective
security is that if one nation is attacked, all other nations will come to its defense, thereby
deterring potential aggressors from taking action.
The United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945 with the goal of promoting international peace
and security. One of the key approaches that the UN uses to achieve this goal is collective
security. The purpose of the UN’s collective security approach is to prevent conflicts from
escalating into full-scale wars by providing a framework for nations to work together to resolve
disputes peacefully.
Under the UN’s collective security approach, the Security Council has the authority to take
action against any nation that poses a threat to international peace and security. This can
include imposing economic sanctions, authorizing military force, or taking other measures as
deemed necessary.
The purpose of this approach is twofold: first, it aims to deter potential aggressors by making it
clear that any act of aggression will be met with a united response from the international
community. Second, it provides a mechanism for resolving disputes peacefully through
negotiation and mediation.
Overall, the UN’s collective security approach is an important tool for promoting international
peace and preventing conflicts from escalating into full-scale wars. While it has not been without
its challenges and limitations, it remains an essential component of the global effort to maintain
stability and prevent violence on a global scale.
PDF2 Ans
Collective security is a concept in international relations that refers to the idea of states working
together to prevent aggression and maintain peace. The basic principle of collective security is
that an attack on one state is considered an attack on all states, and all states will work together
to respond to the aggression. This approach is based on the belief that if all states are
committed to preventing aggression, then the likelihood of conflict will be reduced.
The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 with the goal of promoting international peace
and security. One of the key approaches used by the UN to achieve this goal is collective
security. The purpose of the UN collective security approach is to prevent conflicts from
escalating into full-scale wars by providing a framework for cooperation among member states.
Under the UN collective security approach, member states are required to take action against
any state that engages in aggression or threatens international peace and security. This can
include economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, or even military force if necessary. The idea
behind this approach is that if all member states are committed to preventing aggression, then it
will be more difficult for any one state to engage in aggressive behavior without facing
consequences.
The UN Security Council is responsible for implementing the collective security approach. The
Security Council has the authority to authorize military action against a state that poses a threat
to international peace and security. However, this authority is subject to certain limitations and
requires approval from a majority of Security Council members.
Overall, the purpose of the UN collective security approach is to promote cooperation among
member states and prevent conflicts from escalating into full-scale wars. By working together,
member states can create a more stable and peaceful world order where conflicts are resolved
through peaceful means rather than violence.
2. Describe the factors responsible for World War –II. 10
PDF1 Ans 500 words selected
World War Two was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It was one of the deadliest
conflicts in human history, with an estimated 70-85 million people losing their lives. The causes
of World War Two are complex and multifaceted, but some of the key factors that contributed to
the outbreak of war include:
1. Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War One, imposed harsh
penalties on Germany and left many Germans feeling humiliated and resentful. This created a
fertile ground for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, who promised to restore Germany’s
power and prestige.
2. Failure of Appeasement: In the years leading up to World War Two, many European leaders
pursued a policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany, hoping to avoid another war by giving
in to Hitler’s demands. However, this approach ultimately failed, as Hitler continued to expand
his territory and influence.
3. Rise of Fascism: The rise of fascist regimes in Europe, including Nazi Germany and Fascist
Italy, created conditions that were ripe for conflict. These regimes were characterized by
aggressive expansionism, militarism, and a belief in the superiority of their own nation or race.
4. Failure of Collective Security: The collective security system that had been established after
World War One was unable to prevent the outbreak of war. The League of Nations was
ineffective in preventing aggression by Japan in Asia or by Germany in Europe.
5. Economic Instability: The Great Depression had a profound impact on Europe in the 1930s,
creating economic instability and hardship that made it difficult for many countries to maintain
stability and avoid conflict.
6. Nationalism: Nationalism was a powerful force in Europe at the time, with many nations
seeking to assert their dominance over others. This led to tensions between nations as each
sought to expand its territory and influence.
7. Military Buildup: Many European nations had large standing armies and were constantly
seeking ways to improve their military capabilities. This led to an arms race that further
increased tensions between nations.
Overall, the factors responsible for World War Two were complex and multifaceted, with a
combination of political, economic, and social factors contributing to the outbreak of war.
The impact of World War Two was profound and far-reaching. Some of the key consequences
included:
1. Loss of life: The war resulted in an estimated 70-85 million deaths, including both military
personnel and civilians.
2. Economic devastation: The cost of fighting World War Two was enormous,
3. Methods of securing national interests in world politics. 10
PDF2 Ans
Securing national interests is a key goal of states in world politics. There are several methods
that states can use to achieve this goal, including:
1. Diplomacy: Diplomacy involves using negotiation and dialogue to resolve conflicts and
promote cooperation between states. This can include bilateral or multilateral negotiations, as
well as the use of international organizations such as the United Nations.
2. Economic power: Economic power can be used to secure national interests by leveraging
trade relationships, imposing economic sanctions on other states, or providing aid to allies.
States may also use economic power to gain access to resources or markets that are important
for their national interests.
3. Military power: Military power can be used to protect a state’s borders and territory, deter
aggression from other states, or project influence abroad. This can include maintaining a strong
military presence, developing advanced weapons technology, or forming alliances with other
militarily powerful states.
4. Soft power: Soft power refers to the ability of a state to influence others through cultural and
ideological means rather than through coercion or force. This can include promoting democratic
values, providing humanitarian aid, or investing in education and cultural exchange programs.
5. Intelligence gathering: Intelligence gathering involves collecting information about other
states’ activities and intentions in order to better understand their motivations and potential
threats. This information can be used to inform diplomatic negotiations, military planning, or
economic strategies.
Overall, there are many different methods that states can use to secure their national interests
in world politics. The most effective approach will depend on a variety of factors including the
state’s resources and capabilities, the nature of the threat they face, and the political climate
both domestically and internationally.
Assignment – III
Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.
1. Critical theories of International Relations 6
PDF1 Ans
Critical theories of International Relations are a set of approaches that seek to challenge the
dominant paradigms in the field and offer alternative perspectives on global politics. These
theories are characterized by a focus on power relations, social structures, and historical
context, and they often draw on insights from other disciplines such as sociology, anthropology,
and cultural studies. Some of the key critical theories of International Relations include Marxism,
feminism, postcolonialism, and critical race theory. These theories offer important critiques of
mainstream approaches to International Relations and provide alternative frameworks for
understanding global politics.
PDF2 Ans
Critical theories of International Relations are a set of approaches that challenge the traditional
assumptions and methods of mainstream IR theory. These theories focus on issues such as
power, inequality, and social justice, and seek to understand how these factors shape
international politics. Some examples of critical IR theories include Marxism, feminism,
postcolonialism, and critical race theory. These theories emphasize the importance of
understanding the historical and social context in which international politics takes place, and
they often highlight the ways in which dominant power structures can perpetuate inequality and
oppression.
2. International anarchy and world politics 6
PDF1 Ans
International anarchy refers to the absence of a central authority in the international system,
where states are considered as the primary actors. In this context, world politics is characterized
by competition and conflict among states, as each seeks to maximize its power and security.
The lack of a central authority means that states must rely on self-help to secure their interests,
which can lead to security dilemmas and a reduced effectiveness of international organizations.
International anarchy is a key concept in International Relations and has important implications
for understanding global politics and the challenges of promoting peace and cooperation among
nations.
PDF2 Ans
International anarchy refers to the absence of a centralized authority in the international system.
In other words, there is no world government or global police force that can enforce rules and
regulations on states. This means that states must rely on their own power and resources to
protect their interests and maintain security. International anarchy is a key feature of world
politics, and it shapes the behavior of states in a number of ways. For example, it can lead to
competition and conflict between states as they seek to gain power and influence in the
international system. It can also make cooperation more difficult, as states may be hesitant to
trust one another or give up their autonomy.
3. Describe Green Politics. 6
PDF 1 Ans
Green politics is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of environmentalism and
sustainability. It seeks to balance economic growth with environmental preservation,
emphasizing the need for sustainable development. Green politics also highlights the
interconnectedness of humankind and nature, arguing that human well-being is dependent on a
healthy environment. This ideology has gained traction in recent decades, particularly with
growing concerns about climate change and other environmental issues. Green parties have
emerged in many countries around the world, advocating for policies such as renewable energy,
conservation, and reducing carbon emissions.
PDF 2 Ans
Green politics is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of environmentalism, social
justice, and grassroots democracy. It emerged in the 1970s as a response to growing concerns
about environmental degradation and the impact of human activity on the planet. Green politics
seeks to promote sustainable development, protect natural resources, and reduce pollution and
waste. It also emphasizes the importance of social justice, including issues such as income
inequality, human rights, and gender equality. Finally, green politics advocates for greater citizen
participation in decision-making processes through grassroots democracy and
community-based initiatives.
4. Describe Treaty of Versailles 6
PDF1 Ans
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I. It
was negotiated among the Allied powers, including France, Britain, and the United States, and
Germany. The treaty imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including significant territorial losses
and reparations payments. The treaty also established the League of Nations, an international
organization aimed at promoting peace and cooperation among nations. The Treaty of
Versailles is often criticized for its harsh treatment of Germany, which many argue contributed to
the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II.
5. Regionalism and New Regionalism 6
PDF 4 Ans
Regionalism refers to the process of countries coming together to form a regional organization
or alliance. These organizations are typically based on geographic proximity and shared
economic, political, or cultural interests. Regionalism can take many forms, including free trade
agreements, customs unions, and common markets.
New regionalism is a more recent phenomenon that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized
by a shift away from traditional forms of regionalism towards more flexible and open-ended
arrangements. New regionalism emphasizes cooperation and integration among countries in a
region while also recognizing the importance of global economic interdependence. It also places
greater emphasis on non-state actors such as civil society organizations and private businesses
in shaping regional integration processes