BPSC-134 June 2022 QP
BACHELOR OF ARTS (GENERAL) (BAG)
Term-End Examination June, 2022
BPSC-134 : INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 100
Note : Answer any five questions in about 400 words each. Each question is of 20 marks.
Attempt at least two questions from each Section.
Section—I
1. Elaborate on the concepts of balance of power and collective security. 20
Answer:
Balance of power and collective security are two important concepts in the study of International
Relations. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in their
approach to promoting international peace and security.
Balance of power refers to the distribution of power among states in the international system. It
is based on the assumption that states are rational actors who seek to maximize their security
and survival. The balance of power theory argues that when one state becomes too powerful, it
poses a threat to the security of other states. Therefore, states seek to maintain a balance of
power by forming alliances, building military capabilities, and engaging in diplomacy.
The balance of power theory assumes that states are primarily motivated by self-interest and
that conflict is an inherent feature of the international system. It emphasizes the importance of
military capabilities and deterrence in maintaining stability. The balance of power theory has
been influential in shaping the behavior of states in the international system, particularly during
the Cold War.
Collective security, on the other hand, is a security arrangement in which states cooperate to
provide security to all members of the group. It is based on the principle that an attack on one
state is an attack on all states in the group. Collective security seeks to prevent conflicts by
providing a collective response to aggression or threats to peace.
Collective security is based on the assumption that states can overcome their self-interest and
work together for the common good. It emphasizes the importance of international law,
diplomacy, and peaceful conflict resolution. Collective security has been promoted through
international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union.
While balance of power and collective security share the goal of promoting international peace
and security, they have different approaches to achieving this goal. Balance of power
emphasizes the importance of military capabilities and deterrence, while collective security
emphasizes the importance of cooperation and diplomacy. Balance of power assumes that
conflict is inevitable and seeks to manage it through power relations, while collective security
seeks to prevent conflict through collective action.
In conclusion, balance of power and collective security are two important concepts in the study
of International Relations. While they have different approaches to promoting international
peace and security, they both recognize the importance of managing conflict and preventing
aggression. The choice between these two approaches depends on the specific context and the
goals of the states involved.
2. Explain the significant tenets of classical realism. 20
Answer:
Classical realism is a theoretical perspective in the field of International Relations that
emphasizes the role of power, self-interest, and the struggle for survival in shaping state
behavior and the dynamics of international relations. It emerged in the aftermath of World War I
and was further developed during the Cold War. The following are the significant tenets of
classical realism:
1. The primacy of the state: Classical realism emphasizes the importance of the state as the
primary actor in international relations. States are seen as rational actors who seek to maximize
their power and security in a world of anarchy. The state is the ultimate authority and has the
responsibility to protect its citizens and promote their interests.
2. The role of power: Classical realism emphasizes the importance of power in shaping state
behavior and the dynamics of international relations. Power is defined as the ability to influence
others and achieve one’s goals. States seek to acquire and maintain power through military
capabilities, alliances, and diplomacy.
3. The struggle for survival: Classical realism argues that the international system is
characterized by a struggle for survival. States are in a constant state of competition and
conflict, as they seek to protect their interests and security. The international system is seen as
anarchic, with no central authority to regulate state behavior.
4. The importance of self-interest: Classical realism emphasizes the importance of self-interest
in shaping state behavior. States are seen as rational actors who pursue their interests and
seek to maximize their power and security. The pursuit of self-interest can lead to conflict and
competition among states.
5. The limits of morality: Classical realism argues that morality has limited relevance in
international relations. States are not bound by moral principles and are free to pursue their
interests through any means necessary. The use of force and coercion is seen as a legitimate
tool of statecraft.
6. The role of diplomacy: Classical realism recognizes the importance of diplomacy in managing
conflict and promoting stability. Diplomacy is seen as a means of achieving one’s goals without
resorting to force. However, diplomacy is also seen as a tool of power, as states use it to
advance their interests and gain advantages over other states.
In conclusion, classical realism is a theoretical perspective in International Relations that
emphasizes the role of power, self-interest, and the struggle for survival in shaping state
behavior and the dynamics of international relations. It provides a valuable framework for
understanding the complexities and challenges of the international system. While it has faced
criticism for its emphasis on power and self-interest, classical realism remains a significant
perspective in the study of International Relations.
3. Explain the origin and major versions of Dependency Theory. 20
Answer:
Dependency theory is a theoretical perspective in the field of International Relations that
emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a critique of traditional liberal theories of development. It
argues that the underdevelopment of certain countries is a result of their economic and political
dependence on more developed countries. The following are the origin and major versions of
Dependency Theory:
1. Origins: Dependency theory emerged in Latin America during the 1950s and 1960s as a
response to the economic and political challenges faced by developing countries. It was
influenced by Marxist and neo-Marxist theories, which emphasized the role of capitalism and
imperialism in shaping international relations. Dependency theory challenged the traditional
liberal approach to development, which focused on economic growth and modernization.
2. Moderate version: The moderate version of dependency theory was developed by Raul
Prebisch, an Argentine economist. He argued that the global economic system was
characterized by unequal exchange, where developing countries were forced to export raw
materials at low prices and import manufactured goods at high prices. This led to a cycle of
underdevelopment and dependency, as developing countries were unable to industrialize and
compete with more developed countries.
3. Radical version: The radical version of dependency theory was developed by Andre Gunder
Frank, a German economist. He argued that underdevelopment was not a result of external
factors alone, but also of internal factors such as the structure of the economy and the role of
elites. He argued that developing countries needed to break free from their dependence on
more developed countries and pursue their own path of development.
4. World Systems theory: The World Systems theory was developed by Immanuel Wallerstein,
an American sociologist. He argued that the global economic system was characterized by a
core-periphery structure, where the core countries dominated the periphery countries. He
argued that the global economic system was a single unit, with the core countries exploiting the
periphery countries for their resources and labor. He argued that the only way for developing
countries to break free from their dependence was to challenge the global economic system and
create their own alternative system.
In conclusion, Dependency theory is a theoretical perspective in International Relations that
emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a critique of traditional liberal theories of development. It
argues that the underdevelopment of certain countries is a result of their economic and political
dependence on more developed countries. The moderate, radical, and World Systems versions
of Dependency theory provide different approaches to understanding and addressing the issue
of dependency.
4. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each : 10 each
(a) Truman’s doctrine
Answer:
Truman Doctrine was a foreign policy initiative announced by US President Harry S. Truman in
1947. It was a response to the growing threat of Soviet expansionism in Europe and the Middle
East. The Truman Doctrine was based on the idea of containment, which aimed to prevent the
spread of communism beyond its existing borders. The doctrine provided military and economic
aid to countries threatened by communism, such as Greece and Turkey. The Truman Doctrine
was significant because it marked a shift in US foreign policy towards a more active role in
international affairs. It also set the stage for the Cold War, as the US and the Soviet Union
became locked in a global struggle for power and influence. The Truman Doctrine was a key
element of the US strategy of containment, which shaped US foreign policy for decades to
come. It also established the US as a global superpower and leader of the free world, as it
sought to promote democracy and capitalism as alternatives to communism. The Truman
Doctrine had a significant impact on US foreign policy and the global balance of power, and its
legacy can still be seen in US foreign policy today.
(b) Post-Structuralism
Answer:
Post-Structuralism is a theoretical perspective in the field of International Relations that
emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a critique of traditional approaches to the study of politics
and society. It is based on the idea that language and discourse play a central role in shaping
social reality and power relations. Post-Structuralists argue that language is not simply a tool for
communication, but also a means of constructing and maintaining social hierarchies and power
relations.
Post-Structuralism challenges the idea of a fixed and stable reality, arguing that reality is
constructed through language and discourse. It emphasizes the importance of deconstruction,
which involves analyzing the underlying assumptions and power relations in language and
discourse. Post-Structuralists argue that language is not neutral, but is shaped by power
relations and social hierarchies.
Post-Structuralism has had a significant impact on the study of International Relations,
particularly in the areas of identity, gender, and culture. It has challenged traditional approaches
to these issues, which often assumed fixed and stable identities and cultures. Post-Structuralists
argue that identities and cultures are constructed through language and discourse, and are
therefore subject to change and contestation.
Post-Structuralism has also influenced the study of power and resistance in International
Relations. It emphasizes the importance of agency and resistance in challenging dominant
power relations and constructing alternative realities. Post-Structuralists argue that resistance is
not simply a matter of opposing power, but also involves the creation of new discourses and
identities.
In conclusion, Post-Structuralism is a theoretical perspective in International Relations that
emphasizes the role of language and discourse in shaping social reality and power relations. It
challenges traditional approaches to the study of politics and society, and has had a significant
impact on the study of identity, gender, culture, power, and resistance. Post-Structuralism
continues to be an important perspective in the field of International Relations, and has
influenced a wide range of debates and discussions in the discipline.
Section—II
5. Elaborate on the role of the U. N. in international politics. 20
Answer:
The United Nations (UN) plays a crucial role in international politics as a global organization
dedicated to promoting peace, security, and cooperation among its member states. Established
in 1945 after World War II, the UN serves as a platform for dialogue, negotiation, and
collaboration on a wide range of global issues. The following are key aspects of the UN’s role in
international politics:
1. Peace and Security: One of the primary functions of the UN is to maintain international peace
and security. The UN Security Council, composed of five permanent members (China, France,
Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten rotating members, has the authority
to take actions such as imposing sanctions or authorizing military interventions to address
threats to peace. The UN also deploys peacekeeping missions to conflict zones to facilitate
peace negotiations, protect civilians, and support post-conflict reconstruction.
2. International Law and Human Rights: The UN plays a crucial role in promoting and upholding
international law and human rights. The General Assembly, composed of all member states,
discusses and adopts resolutions on various issues, including human rights violations,
disarmament, and environmental protection. The UN Human Rights Council monitors and
addresses human rights abuses worldwide. Additionally, the International Court of Justice, the
UN’s principal judicial organ, settles legal disputes between states.
3. Development and Humanitarian Assistance: The UN is actively involved in promoting
sustainable development and providing humanitarian assistance. The UN Development
Programme (UNDP) works to eradicate poverty, improve healthcare, education, and
infrastructure, and promote gender equality. The UN also coordinates humanitarian efforts
during crises, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and refugee situations, through agencies like
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme
(WFP).
4. Global Governance and Multilateralism: The UN serves as a platform for global governance,
facilitating cooperation and coordination among member states. It provides a forum for states to
discuss and negotiate on various issues, including climate change, trade, and disarmament.
The UN also hosts specialized agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), which work on specific areas of global concern.
5. Norm Setting and Diplomacy: The UN plays a crucial role in setting global norms and
standards. It has adopted numerous conventions and treaties on issues such as human rights,
environmental protection, and nuclear non-proliferation. The UN also provides a space for
diplomatic negotiations and dialogue, allowing states to address conflicts, resolve disputes, and
find common ground on contentious issues. The General Assembly and various specialized
committees and forums provide opportunities for states to engage in diplomatic discussions and
negotiations, fostering dialogue and understanding among nations.
6. Global Public Health and Crisis Response: The UN plays a significant role in addressing
global public health challenges and coordinating responses to pandemics and epidemics. The
World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the UN, leads efforts to prevent the
spread of diseases, provides guidance on healthcare policies, and coordinates international
responses to health emergencies. The UN also mobilizes resources and coordinates
humanitarian aid during crises, such as natural disasters and conflicts, to provide relief and
support to affected populations.
7. Promoting Democracy and Humanitarian Values: The UN promotes democratic governance
and the protection of human rights as fundamental principles of international politics. Through
initiatives such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN advocates for the respect
and protection of individual freedoms, equality, and justice. It supports democratic processes,
electoral assistance, and the strengthening of institutions to foster democratic governance
worldwide.
In conclusion, the United Nations plays a multifaceted role in international politics. It serves as a
platform for dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation among member states, addressing issues
related to peace and security, human rights, development, global governance, and crisis
response. The UN’s efforts in promoting international law, setting global norms, and fostering
diplomatic relations contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, and cooperation in the
international arena. While the UN faces challenges and limitations, it remains a vital institution in
addressing global issues and advancing the collective interests of its member states.