All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Political Science & IR 2021 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Political economy, democracy, Marxist IR, UN reforms, climate policy (1)Post-colonial state, neo-realism, complex interdependence (1)Electoral systems, globalisation, US hegemony decline (1)Modernization thesis, ASEAN, India-EU relations (1)Act East Policy, foreign policy philosophy, WTO, QUAD, Afghanistan (1)Non-alignment, India-China relations, border conflicts (1)South Asian integration, federalism and foreign policy, nuclear order (1)India-Russia relations, SDGs, India-Africa relations (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussPolitical economy, democracy, Marxist IR, UN reforms, climate policy
Answer the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss the political economy approach to the comparative analysis of politics. (10 marks)
(b) "Political parties and pressure groups are sine qua non of democracy." Comment. (10 marks)
(c) "Marxist approach to the study of international relations has lost its relevance in the post-cold war era." Comment. (10 marks)
(d) What measures have been undertaken by the United Nations for its reforms? (10 marks)
(e) Discuss the five proposals made by India in the recent COP-26 conference held in Glasgow. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए :
(a) राजनीति के तुलनात्मक विश्लेषण के राजनीतिक अर्थव्यवस्था उपागम की विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) "राजनीतिक दल एवं दबाव समूह लोकतंत्र के लिये अपरिहार्य हैं ।" टिप्पणी कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(c) "शीतयुद्ध उत्तरोत्तर काल में अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों के अध्ययन के लिये मार्क्सवादी उपागम की प्रासंगिकता समाप्त हो गई है ।" टिप्पणी कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(d) संयुक्त राष्ट्र ने अपने सुधारों के लिये क्या उपाय किये हैं ? (10 अंक)
(e) हाल में ग्लासगो में हुए सी ओ पी-26 सम्मेलन में भारत द्वारा रखे गए पाँच प्रस्तावों की विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, theoretically grounded, with specific examples and balanced judgment.
Define political economy as a comparative method
Link economic structures to political outcomes
Identify key theorists (e.g., Marx, Polanyi)
Apply to a comparative case study
Define 'sine qua non' in this context
Explain the role of parties in representation
Explain the role of pressure groups in advocacy
Provide a balanced judgment on their necessity
Outline the core Marxist IR perspective
Identify post-Cold War changes (e.g., globalization)
Argue for the continued relevance (e.g., inequality)
Argue against the relevance (e.g., state-centricity)
Identify the need for UN reform
Mention Security Council reform
Mention General Assembly or Secretariat reforms
Explain the 2004 High-Level Panel and In Larger Freedom (2005)
Identify the context of COP-26
List at least three of the five proposals
Explain the 'LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative
Mention that developing countries need climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building
(a) "The post-colonial state was thought of an entity that stood outside and above society as an autonomous agency." Explain. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the emergence of neo-realism and its basic tenets. (15 marks)
(c) What is 'complex interdependence'? Discuss the role of transnational actors in the international system. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "उत्तर-उपनिवेशी राज्य एक ऐसे सत्ता के रूप में माना जाता था जो एक स्वायत्त अभिकरण के रूप में समाज से बाहर एवं ऊपर अवस्थित था ।" व्याख्या कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) नवयथार्थवाद के उद्भव एवं इसके आधारभूत सिद्धान्तों की विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) 'जटिल अन्योन्याश्रयता' से आप क्या समझते हैं ? अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय व्यवस्था में पारराष्ट्रीय कर्ताओं की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise theoretical definitions, named theorists, and specific examples of state/actor behavior.
Define 'autonomous agency' in the context of state-society relations
Explain the 'outside and above society' structural position
Link to post-colonial developmentalism or state-led modernization
Provide a specific example of state autonomy (e.g., India's Five Year Plans)
Identify the 'emergence' context (critique of classical realism)
State the 'anarchy' assumption as the primary driver
Explain 'self-help' and 'relative gains' logic
Mention the 'unit behavior' (balancing) tenet
Define 'complex interdependence' (Keohane/Nye)
Identify 'multiple channels' (state-to-non-state) as a feature
Explain the 'absence of hierarchy' (no clear agenda)
Discuss the specific role of transnational actors (MNCs, NGOs)
50MexplainElectoral systems, globalisation, US hegemony decline
(a) Explain the impact of electoral systems and cleavages in shaping party systems with reference to developing countries. (20 marks)
(b) What is globalisation? Why is there an intense debate about globalisation and its consequences? (15 marks)
(c) Critically examine the decline of the United States of America as a hegemon and its implications for the changing international political order. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विकासशील देशों के संदर्भ में निर्वाचन प्रणालियों एवं विभेदों का दलीय व्यवस्थाओं के निरूपण के प्रभाव की व्याख्या कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) वैश्वीकरण क्या है ? वैश्वीकरण एवं इसके परिणामों के संदर्भ में इतनी गहन बहस क्यों है ? (15 अंक)
(c) एक प्राधान्यक के रूप में संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के पतन एवं परिवर्तनीय अंतर्राष्ट्रीय राजनीतिक व्यवस्था के लिये इसके निहितार्थों का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण करें । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, applies concepts to specific cases, and offers a nuanced, critical judgment.
Define electoral systems (e.g., FPTP, PR) and cleavages
Apply Duverger's Law or Lijphart's theory
Reference specific developing country examples
Explain the mechanism of how these shape party systems
Provide a clear definition of globalisation
Present arguments for globalisation (e.g., growth, integration)
Present arguments against globalisation (e.g., inequality, sovereignty)
(a) The modernization thesis asserts that affluence breeds stable democracy. How do you explain the success of India being the world's largest democracy as an exceptional case? (20 marks)
(b) Explain the success of ASEAN as a regional organisation. (15 marks)
(c) Explain India's relations with the European Union in the context of Brexit. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) आधुनिकीकरण शोध प्रबंध (थीसिस) का कथन है कि संपन्नता स्थिर लोकतंत्र को जन्म देती है । आप किस प्रकार भारत को विश्व के सबसे बड़े सफल लोकतंत्र को एक असाधारण उदाहरण के तौर पर देखते हैं ? (20 अंक)
(b) एक क्षेत्रीय संगठन के रूप में आसियान (ASEAN) की सफलता की व्याख्या कीजिये । (15 अंक)
(c) ब्रेक्सिट (Brexit) के संदर्भ में भारत के यूरोपीय संघ के साथ संबंधों की व्याख्या कीजिये । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, precise application to the specific case, and critical analysis with relevant examples.
50M150wCompulsorydiscussAct East Policy, foreign policy philosophy, WTO, QUAD, Afghanistan
Answer the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss the strategic implications of India's 'Look East Policy' transforming into 'Act East Policy'. (10 marks)
(b) Explain the philosophical foundations of India's foreign policy. (10 marks)
(c) Explain India's position on the waiver of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines in WTO. (10 marks)
(d) Write about the growing significance of QUAD. (10 marks)
(e) How does the recent takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban impact India's strategic interests? (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए :
(a) भारत की 'पूर्व दृश्य नीति' (लुक ईस्ट पॉलिसी) के 'पूर्व कृत्य नीति' (एक्ट ईस्ट पॉलिसी) में रूपांतरित होने के सामरिक निहितार्थों की विवेचना कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(b) भारत की विदेश नीति के दार्शनिक आधारों की व्याख्या कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(c) डब्ल्यू टी ओ (WTO) में कोविड-19 टीकों पर बौद्धिक संपदा अधिकारों की छूट पर भारत की स्थिति की व्याख्या कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(d) क्वाड (QUAD) के बढ़ते महत्व के बारे में लिखिये । (10 अंक)
(e) तालिबान के द्वारा हाल ही में अफगानिस्तान का अधिग्रहण भारत के सामरिक हितों को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करता है ? (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, precise application to current policy, and balanced critical analysis.
Distinguish passive 'Look' from active 'Act' engagement
Identify specific strategic implications (e.g., security, connectivity)
Reference specific mechanisms (e.g., BIMSTEC, border agreements)
Balanced conclusion on the policy's current status
Define the core philosophical concept (e.g., Panchsheel)
Explain the context of the foundation (e.g., Non-alignment)
Provide a small example of application
Short closing on its relevance today
Define the context of the WTO waiver proposal
State India's position clearly (supportive)
Provide a small example of the argument (e.g., access)
Short closing on the outcome or current status
Define QUAD and its members
List 3-4 key features of its significance
Provide one example of recent activity
One-line significance statement
Identify the causes of the impact (e.g., security)
Explain the effects on India (e.g., terrorism)
Link to stakeholders (e.g., Pakistan, China)
Link to India's engagement strategy (pragmatic engagement without formal recognition)
(a) "Non-alignment was little more than a rational strategy on the part of a materially weak India to maximise its interests with a bipolar distribution of global power." Comment. (20 marks)
(b) Examine the Geo-strategic points of contention in the bilateral relationship between India and China. (15 marks)
(c) Write a brief analysis of the ethnic conflicts and cross-border migrations along India-Myanmar and India-Bangladesh borders. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "गुटनिरपेक्षता की नीति वैश्विक शक्ति के द्विध्रुवीय वितरण के साथ अपने हितों को अधिकतम करने के लिये भौतिक रूप से कमजोर भारत की ओर से एक तर्कसंगत रणनीति से कुछ अधिक थी।" टिप्पणी कीजिये । (20 अंक)
(b) भारत एवं चीन के मध्य द्विपक्षीय संबंधों में विवाद के भू-रणनीतिक बिंदुओं का परीक्षण कीजिये । (15 अंक)
(c) भारत-म्यांमार एवं भारत-बांग्लादेश सीमा के साथ लगे संजातीय संघर्षों तथा सीमा-पार प्रवासन का एक संक्षिप्त विश्लेषण कीजिये । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, and analytically deep with specific examples and theoretical grounding.
Define Non-Alignment in the context of the Cold War
Explain the 'materially weak' constraint (economic/military)
Analyze the 'bipolar distribution' of global power
Provide a final judgment on the validity of the quote
Identify the LAC (Line of Actual Control) as a primary point
Discuss the 'String of Pearls' or 'Malacca Dilemma'
Analyze the 'Act East' vs 'Belt and Road' initiatives
Mention Tibet and the Himalayan boundary
Identify specific ethnic groups (e.g., Chakma, Rohingya, Mizo)
Explain the causes of cross-border migration (conflict, persecution)
Analyze the impact on India's internal security
Link to border management and India's Act East policy
50MexplainSouth Asian integration, federalism and foreign policy, nuclear order
(a) Why South Asia is considered as the world's politically and economically least integrated region? Explain. (20 marks)
(b) How do the constituent states influence the foreign policy making process in India? (15 marks)
(c) Examine the evolution of India's role in the global nuclear order. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) दक्षिण एशिया को राजनीतिक और आर्थिक रूप से विश्व का सबसे कम एकीकृत क्षेत्र क्यों माना जाता है ? व्याख्या कीजिये । (20 अंक)
(b) घटक राज्य भारत की विदेश नीति निर्धारण की प्रक्रिया को किस प्रकार से प्रभावित करते हैं ? (15 अंक)
(c) वैश्विक परमाणु व्यवस्था में भारत की भूमिका के क्रमागत विकास का परीक्षण कीजिये । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Theoretical depth, specific examples, and clear structure
(a) 'Relations between India and Russia are rooted in history, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.' Discuss. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the 'Sustainable Development Goals' as set by the United Nations. (15 marks)
(c) Identify the drivers of India's new interest in Africa. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) 'भारत एवं रूस के मध्य संबंध इतिहास, परस्पर विश्वास एवं पारस्परिक लाभकारी सहयोग पर आधारित हैं।' विवेचना कीजिये । (20 अंक)
(b) संयुक्त राष्ट्र के द्वारा निर्धारित 'सतत विकास लक्ष्यों' की विवेचना कीजिये । (15 अंक)
(c) अफ्रीका में भारत की नई रुचि के प्रेरकों को चिह्नित कीजिये । (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) enumerate: list the items in order > one line each > no commentary Full marks: Comprehensive, theoretically grounded, and analytically sharp with specific examples.
Historical roots: Non-alignment and 1971 support
Strategic partnership: Defense and energy cooperation
Mutual trust: Consistency in multilateral forums
Current developments: S-400 deal or Arctic cooperation