All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Political Science & IR 2022 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Comparative method, globalisation, Marxist-Realist approach, bipolarity, national interest (1)Electoral democracy, social movements, International Court of Justice (1)Rise of China, collective security, global conventions on terrorism (1)WTO fisheries negotiations, realist theory, Russia-Ukraine crisis and EU energy (1)India's foreign policy, South Asian economic cooperation, India-Bangladesh hydro-cooperation, BECA, public diplomacy (1)New International Economic Order, India's post-Cold War foreign policy, India's NPT stance (1)India-Japan partnership, Look-East Policy and Northeast India, India's UN Security Council claim (1)India-Israel relations, illegal migration in Northeast India, India's vision of New World Order (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussComparative method, globalisation, Marxist-Realist approach, bipolarity, national interest
Answer the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss the main limitations of the comparative method to the study of Political Science. (10 marks)
(b) What are the main challenges faced by the developing countries in the era of globalisation? (10 marks)
(c) Discuss the commonalities between the Marxist and Realist approach to the study of International Politics. (10 marks)
(d) Bipolar structure of the world is more stable than the multipolar one. Comment. (10 marks)
(e) National Interest is an essentially contested concept. Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए।
(a) राजनीति विज्ञान के अध्ययन में तुलनात्मक प्रणाली की मुख्य सीमाओं का विवेचन कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) वैश्वीकरण के दौर में विकासशील राष्ट्रों को किस तरह की मुख्य चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ रहा है? (10 अंक)
(c) अंतर्राष्ट्रीय राजनीति के अध्ययन में मार्क्सवादी एवं यथार्थवादी दृष्टिकोणों के बीच की समानताओं का विवेचन कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) विश्व की द्विध्रुवी संरचना बहुध्रुवी की अपेक्षा ज्यादा स्थिर होती है। टिप्पणी करें। (10 अंक)
(e) राष्ट्रीय हित एक मूलतः विवादित संकल्पना है। टिप्पणी करें। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise theoretical engagement with named theorists and specific examples.
Limits of cross-cultural comparability
Problem of selecting relevant variables
Risk of superficial or false analogies
Difficulty in isolating causal factors
Economic: Trade deficits and debt burden
Political: Erosion of state sovereignty
Social: Cultural homogenization or identity crisis
Structural: Unequal terms of trade
Both are materialist in nature
Both treat conflict as structural (anarchy and security dilemma for realists, class antagonism and uneven development for Marxists)
Both are sceptical of idealism and treat law and institutions as reflecting power or dominant interests
Both focus on power and conflict
Arguments for bipolar stability (deterrence/clarity)
Arguments for multipolar instability (complexity/coalitions)
Reference to Cold War vs. post-Cold War dynamics
Final judgment on which is more stable
Definition of 'essentially contested concept' (Gallie)
Conflict between 'vital' and 'peripheral' interests
Subjectivity of who defines the interest (elite vs. people)
50MdiscussElectoral democracy, social movements, International Court of Justice
(a) How has the electoral democracy augmented the participation of people in the democratic process? (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the role of social movements in strengthening the democratic processes in developing societies. (15 marks)
(c) Describe the composition of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Discuss its voluntary jurisdiction. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) चुनावी लोकतंत्र ने किस प्रकार से लोगों की भागीदारी को प्रजातांत्रिक प्रक्रिया में संवर्धित किया है? (20 अंक)
(b) विकासशील समाजों में लोकतांत्रिक प्रक्रिया को मजबूती प्रदान करने में सामाजिक आंदोलनों की भूमिका का विवेचन कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) अंतर्राष्ट्रीय न्यायालय की संरचना का वर्णन कीजिए। इसके स्वैच्छिक क्षेत्राधिकार का विवेचन 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) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Demonstrates deep theoretical engagement with named theorists, provides specific examples and case studies, clearly distinguishes normative from empirical claims, and presents balanced analysis with critical evaluation.
Define electoral democracy and its core principles
Explain universal adult franchise as a participation mechanism
Describe periodic elections and competitive party systems
Link electoral processes to political accountability and representation
Define social movements and their democratic functions
Explain how movements mobilize marginalized groups
Describe movements' role in holding governments accountable
Provide examples from developing societies
Describe ICJ composition (15 judges, nine-year terms, absolute majority in both GA and SC, Article 9 representation)
Explain the voluntary nature of ICJ jurisdiction
Describe how states consent to ICJ jurisdiction
Discuss the implications of voluntary jurisdiction
50Mcritically examineRise of China, collective security, global conventions on terrorism
(a) Critically examine the rise of People's Republic of China (PRC) as a great power and its implications on Asian Political order. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the conceptual dimensions of collective security. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the efficacy of global conventions to combat international terrorism. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) जनवादी चीन गणराज्य (पी आर सी) का एक महान शक्ति के रूप में उदय तथा एशियाई राजनीतिक व्यवस्था पर इसके निहितार्थों का आलोचनात्मक विवेचन कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) सामूहिक सुरक्षा के वैचारिक आयामों की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) अंतर्राष्ट्रीय आतंकवाद का सामना करने हेतु वैश्विक अभिसमयों की प्रभावोत्पादकता की विवेचना कीजिये। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, theoretically grounded, with specific examples and critical analysis.
Define 'great power' status in IR context
Analyze PRC's economic and military rise
Explain implications for Asian political order
Provide critical evaluation of these implications
Define collective security conceptually
Identify 3-4 key conceptual dimensions
Provide examples of collective security mechanisms
50MevaluateWTO fisheries negotiations, realist theory, Russia-Ukraine crisis and EU energy
(a) Identify and evaluate the reasons for deadlock in the WTO negotiations on fisheries between the developing and developed countries. (20 marks)
(b) What is the realist prescription to the States to ensure their survival in an anarchical world? (15 marks)
(c) Russian-Ukraine crisis has cast a dark shadow on the energy needs of the member states of the European Union (EU). Comment. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विकासशील एवं विकसित देशों के बीच डब्लू टी ओ में मत्स्य पालन वार्ता में उत्पन्न गतिरोध के कारणों की पहचान एवं मूल्यांकन करें। (20 अंक)
(b) अराजक विश्व में देशों को अपनी उत्तरजीविता सुनिश्चित करने हेतु यथार्थवादी उपाय क्या है? (15 अंक)
(c) रूसी-यूक्रेन संकट ने यूरोपीय संघ (ई यू) के सदस्य देशों की ऊर्जा जरूरतों पर एक काली परछाई डाल दी है। टिप्पणी करें। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, and analytically rigorous.
Distinguish developing vs developed country positions
Identify specific causes of deadlock (e.g., S&DT scope, overcapacity and distant-water subsidies, IUU monitoring capacity, China’s developing-country claim)
Evaluate the validity of these reasons
Reference specific WTO negotiation rounds or agreements
Define 'anarchical world' in realist terms
Explain the realist prescription (e.g., self-help, balance of power)
Reference specific realist theorists (e.g., Morgenthau, Waltz)
50M150wCompulsorydiscussIndia's foreign policy, South Asian economic cooperation, India-Bangladesh hydro-cooperation, BECA, public diplomacy
Answer the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Peaceful co-existence remains the cornerstone of India's foreign policy. Comment. (10 marks)
(b) Discuss the ways and means to realise greater economic co-operation among the Member States of South Asia. (10 marks)
(c) Discuss the steps required to realise 'hydro-co-operation' between India and Bangladesh. (10 marks)
(d) Explain the significance of Basic Exchange and Co-operation Agreement (BECA) for Indo-US strategic relations. (10 marks)
(e) Discuss the role of public diplomacy in the enhancement of India's global standing. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए।
(a) शांतिपूर्ण सह अस्तित्व भारत के विदेश नीति की आधारशिला है। टिप्पणी करें। (10 अंक)
(b) दक्षिण एशिया के सदस्य देशों के बीच गहन आर्थिक सहयोग को बढ़ाने हेतु उपायों एवं साधनों का विवेचन कीजिये। (10 अंक)
(c) भारत एवं बांग्लादेश के बीच 'जल-सहयोग' बढ़ाने हेतु आवश्यक कदमों की विवेचना कीजिये। (10 अंक)
(d) भारत-अमेरिका के सामरिक संबंधों के लिए बुनियादी विनिमय एवं सहयोग समझौते (बी ई सी ए) के महत्व की व्याख्या करें। (10 अंक)
(e) भारत की वैश्विक प्रतिष्ठा में वृद्धि हेतु सार्वजनिक कूटनीति की भूमिका का विवेचन कीजिये। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, specific examples, and balanced judgment.
50Mcritically examineNew International Economic Order, India's post-Cold War foreign policy, India's NPT stance
(a) Discuss the relevance of the demand for New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the present era of globalisation. (20 marks)
(b) Critically examine the major factors responsible for a turnaround in the trajectory of India's foreign policy in the post-cold war period. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the reasons behind India's refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) वैश्वीकरण के वर्तमान युग में नवीन अंतर्राष्ट्रीय आर्थिक व्यवस्था (एन आई ई ओ) हेतु मांग की प्रासंगिकता का विवेचन कीजिये। (20 अंक)
(b) शीत युद्ध के बाद भारत की विदेश नीति के प्रक्षेप पथ में परिवर्तन के लिए उत्तरदायी प्रमुख कारकों का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) भारत के परमाणु अप्रसार संधि (एन.पी.टी.) पर दस्तखत से इनकार करने के कारणों की चर्चा करें। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Engages theory directly, ties to current policy, presents contending positions, specific evidence.
Define NIEO and its core demands (e.g., G-77, UNCTAD).
Link NIEO to current globalisation issues (e.g., trade, debt, tech).
50MexplainIndia-Japan partnership, Look-East Policy and Northeast India, India's UN Security Council claim
(a) What are the main drivers of India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership? (20 marks)
(b) What are the implications of 'Look-East' Policy on the north-eastern region of India? (15 marks)
(c) Explain the factors which justify India's claim for a permanent seat at the UN security council. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत-जापान के सामरिक एवं वैश्विक भागीदारी के मुख्य प्रेरक क्या हैं? (20 अंक)
(b) भारत की उत्तर-पूर्व क्षेत्र पर 'लुक ईस्ट' नीति के क्या निहितार्थ हैं? (15 अंक)
(c) भारत के संयुक्त राष्ट्र सुरक्षा परिषद में स्थायी सदस्यता के दावे को न्यायोचित ठहराने वाले कारकों की व्याख्या करें। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, analytical, and well-structured with specific examples and theoretical grounding.
Strategic convergence against China (Quad, maritime security)
50MdiscussIndia-Israel relations, illegal migration in Northeast India, India's vision of New World Order
(a) How does India-Israel bilateral ties reflect the autonomy of India's foreign policy choices? (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the consequences of illegal cross-border migration in India's north-eastern region. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss India's vision of a New World order in the 21st century. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत-इजरायल का द्विपक्षीय संबंध किस प्रकार से भारत की विदेश नीति रुचियों की स्वायत्तता को परिलक्षित करता है? (20 अंक)
(b) भारत के उत्तर पूर्व क्षेत्र में गैरकानूनी सीमा पार प्रवासन के परिणामों का विवेचन कीजिये। (15 अंक)
(c) इक्कीसवीं शताब्दी में नवीन विश्व-व्यवस्था के बारे में भारत के दृष्टिकोण की विवेचना 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) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Theoretical depth with specific policy examples and named theorists.
Define autonomy in foreign policy context
Cite specific India-Israel bilateral developments
Contrast with historical non-alignment constraints
Apply a named IR theorist or framework
Identify specific source countries (e.g., Bangladesh)
Discuss demographic and cultural impact
Analyze security and sovereignty implications
Address economic or resource strain
Define 'New World Order' in India's context
Mention 'Vishwaguru' or 'Vishwa Bandhu' concepts
Discuss multilateralism and reform of institutions