All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Political Science & IR 2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Comparative politics and international relations theories (1)Globalisation, post-modern state and regional trade agreements (1)Social movements, political parties and NATO (1)Gramscian hegemony, WTO decline and European Union (1)India's foreign policy and regional security (1)India's foreign policy transition and Global South leadership (1)SAARC, NPT and India-US strategic partnership (1)India's Palestine policy, Myanmar relations and non-alignment (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussComparative politics and international relations theories
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss the interpretive approach to the study of comparative politics. (10 marks)
(b) Explain the central tenets of the World-Systems Theory. (10 marks)
(c) The expansionist tendencies of the current Russian regime indicate its intentions for the realisation of a Greater Russia on the lines of the Soviet era. Comment. (10 marks)
(d) Explain the various facets of the idealist approach to the study of international relations. Comment on its contemporary relevance. (10 marks)
(e) The changing global order and ongoing regional conflicts, with the global powers taking sides, have jeopardised the progress made towards disarmament in the past. Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) तुलनात्मक राजनीति के अध्ययन के व्याख्यात्मक दृष्टिकोण की चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) विश्व-व्यवस्था सिद्धांत के केंद्रीय तत्वों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) रूस के वर्तमान शासन की विस्तारवादी प्रवृत्ति उसके सोवियत जमाने जैसा महा रूस बनाने के इरादों का संकेत देती है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों के अध्ययन के लिए आदर्शवादी दृष्टिकोण के विभिन्न पहलुओं की व्याख्या कीजिए। इस दृष्टिकोण की समसामयिक प्रासंगिकता पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) बदलती विश्व व्यवस्था तथा चल रहे क्षेत्रीय संघर्षों ने, साथ ही वैश्विक शक्तियों का इनमें पक्ष लेना, निरस्त्रीकरण के लिए पहले हुई प्रगति को खतरे में डाल दिया है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (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) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Engages theory directly, names theorists, provides specific examples, balanced judgment, contemporary relevance
Meaning-centred approach: politics understood through actors' beliefs, symbols and traditions
50McommentGlobalisation, post-modern state and regional trade agreements
(a) "Deglobalisation is displacing globalisation." Comment. (20 marks)
(b) What are the distinctive features of the post-modern state in the advanced capitalist economies ? Analyse. (15 marks)
(c) What were the limitations of NAFTA ? How did its replacement by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement counter them ? Explain. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "विवैश्वीकरण वैश्वीकरण को विस्थापित कर रहा है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) उन्नत पूंजीवादी अर्थव्यवस्थाओं में उत्तर-आधुनिक राज्य की प्रमुख विशेषताएं क्या हैं ? विश्लेषण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) नाफ्टा की क्या खामियां थीं ? संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका-मैक्सिको-कनाडा समझौते द्वारा इसके प्रतिस्थापन ने उनका प्रतिकार कैसे किया ? व्याख्या कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, precise application to current events, and balanced critical analysis.
Evidence for deglobalisation: US–China decoupling, tariff wars (2018 onwards, 2025 US tariffs), Brexit, industrial subsidies (CHIPS Act, IRA), export controls, data localisation
Drivers: pandemic supply-chain shocks, Russia–Ukraine war and sanctions, populist backlash, securitisation of economics
Counter-evidence: slowbalisation rather than reversal; growth of services, digital and financial flows; regional trade deals (RCEP, USMCA) and friend-shoring
Reasoned conclusion: reconfiguration/fragmentation of globalisation rather than displacement; implications for India (PLI, supply-chain diversification, FTAs)
Concept: Robert Cooper's pre-modern, modern and post-modern states; EU pooled sovereignty and mutual surveillance
Political-economy readings: Jessop's Schumpeterian workfare regime, Cerny's competition state, Strange's retreat of the state
Features: multi-level governance, regulatory state, privatisation and outsourcing, networked governance (Rhodes, Castells), identity and post-material politics
Analysis: limits of the thesis, return of the state after 2008, the pandemic and new industrial policy
NAFTA (1994) limitations: weak side agreements on labour and environment, ISDS (Chapter 11) controversies, job losses and Mexican agriculture, no digital trade rules
USMCA (in force 1 July 2020) corrections: Rapid Response Labour Mechanism, environment in core text, digital trade chapter
Auto rules of origin: 75% regional value content, 40–45% labour value content at US$16/hour
Sunset clause and six-year joint review, ISDS curtailed, non-market economy clause (Art. 32.10); recent developments (2025 tariffs, July 2026 review)
50MdiscussSocial movements, political parties and NATO
(a) Discuss the major recent social movements related to the physical rights of women in various countries of the world. (20 marks)
(b) Critically examine the role of political parties in sustaining and stabilising democracies in the developing societies. (15 marks)
(c) Do you agree with the view that the USA uses NATO as a traditional tool of strategy to perpetuate its hegemony in the world ? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विश्व के विभिन्न देशों में महिलाओं के दैहिक अधिकारों के संबंध में हाल ही के प्रमुख सामाजिक आंदोलनों की चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) विकासशील समाजों में लोकतंत्र के पोषण एवं स्थायीकरण में राजनीतिक दलों की भूमिका का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) क्या आप इस विचार से सहमत हैं कि यू.एस.ए. संसार में अपना वर्चस्व कायम रखने के लिए रणनीति के पारंपरिक उपकरण के रूप में नाटो का उपयोग करता है ? (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) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Comprehensive, theoretically grounded, specific examples, clear judgment.
Concept: physical rights as bodily integrity, reproductive autonomy and freedom from violence
Global movements: #MeToo (2017), Latin America's Green Wave (Argentina 2020, Mexico 2021, Colombia 2022), Poland's Strajk Kobiet, post-Dobbs (2022) mobilisation, France's constitutional amendment (2024)
Iran's 'Woman, Life, Freedom' (2022) and anti-FGM campaigns (Sudan 2020); Ni Una Menos against femicide
India: Nirbhaya (2012) leading to the Verma Committee and 2013 amendments, Hathras (2020), R.G. Kar protests (2024); assessment of outcomes and backlash
Functions: interest aggregation, political recruitment, legitimacy, peaceful alternation of power
Theory: Huntington's Political Order in Changing Societies (1968), Mainwaring and Scully on party-system institutionalisation, Duverger/Sartori on party systems
Positive cases: India's Congress system (Rajni Kothari) and later coalitions accommodating diversity
Negative dynamics: clientelism, personalism, dynasties, dominant-party entrenchment (ZANU-PF), volatility and populism in Latin America, ethnic parties
Arguments for: US command primacy (SACEUR), nuclear umbrella and burden-sharing asymmetry, eastward enlargement
Out-of-area operations: Kosovo 1999, Afghanistan after the first invocation of Article 5 (2001), Libya 2011; 2022 Strategic Concept naming China, 2025 Hague 5% spending target
Arguments against: voluntary accession of Eastern European states, European dissent (Iraq 2003), EU strategic autonomy, Turkey's independent policies, US pressure on allies rather than pure control
50McommentGramscian hegemony, WTO decline and European Union
(a) "The Gramscian theory of hegemony provides many valuable insights into the nature of global power." Comment. (20 marks)
(b) The return of trade barriers and economic sanctions has diminished the spirit of GATT. In this context, discuss the factors contributing to the decline of WTO in recent times. (15 marks)
(c) Do you agree with the view that the EU has thus far proved to be the most successful experiment in the regional integration processes ? Account for its successes and also some of the recent challenges that it is faced with. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "ग्राम्शी द्वारा प्रतिपादित आधिपत्य सिद्धांत वैश्विक शक्ति की प्रकृति में कई मूल्यवान अंतर्दृष्टि प्रदान करता है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) व्यापार बाधाओं एवं आर्थिक प्रतिबंधों की वापसी ने GATT की भावना को क्षीण कर दिया है। इस संदर्भ में, वर्तमान समय में WTO की अवनति के लिए योगदान देने वाले कारकों की चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) क्या आप इस विचार से सहमत हैं कि ई.यू. क्षेत्रीय समन्वयन प्रक्रिया में अब तक का सबसे सफल प्रयोग प्रमाणित हुआ है ? इसकी सफलताओं तथा हाल ही में उसके सम्मुख आई कुछ चुनौतियों का स्पष्टीकरण कीजिए। (15 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) account for: state the phenomenon > the causes in order of weight > conclusion Full marks: Deep theoretical engagement with specific contemporary examples and balanced critique.
Gramsci's hegemony: domination plus consent, civil society, common sense, historic bloc, war of position versus war of manoeuvre (Prison Notebooks)
Neo-Gramscian IR: Robert Cox (1981, 1983), Stephen Gill; world orders built from production, ideas and institutions
Insights into global power: US-led liberal order through IMF, World Bank, WTO, neoliberal consensus, cultural and soft power
Limits and counter-hegemony: BRICS, NDB, Global South coalitions; critique for underplaying military power and state interests; India's position
Spirit of GATT: MFN, national treatment, reciprocity, tariff reduction through rounds
Dispute settlement paralysis: Appellate Body non-functional since December 2019; MPIA as partial workaround
Weaponisation of trade: US–China tariff war, 2025 US tariffs, sanctions on Russia, national security exception (Article XXI, Russia – Traffic in Transit 2019)
Negotiating deadlock: Doha Round, North–South disputes on S&DT and public stockholding; MC13 Abu Dhabi (2024) and MC14 Yaoundé (2026) without major outcomes; shift to plurilaterals and FTAs
Successes: single market, Schengen, euro, enlargement, supranational institutions (Commission, Court of Justice), NextGenerationEU
Normative and regulatory power: Manners' normative power Europe, Brussels Effect (GDPR, AI Act 2024)
Challenges: eurozone crisis legacy, Brexit, migration, rule-of-law disputes (Hungary, Poland), Euroscepticism, energy dependence and war in Ukraine, defence autonomy
Comparison with ASEAN, AU, MERCOSUR, SAARC and a clear stand on 'most successful'
50M150wCompulsorydiscussIndia's foreign policy and regional security
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) "India must strive to become a semi-permanent member of the UNSC, rather than a permanent member without the right to veto." Comment. (10 marks)
(b) Bhutan has historically been an ally of India, but the China-Bhutan border related issues have become a security issue for India. Discuss. (10 marks)
(c) "Nothing is going to move within the WTO negotiations unless India is on board." Discuss the main reasons behind India's increased clout in the WTO. (10 marks)
(d) Discuss the rationale behind replacing the "Asia-Pacific" strategy with the new term "Indo-Pacific" strategy. (10 marks)
(e) Despite deep ties, India's relations with Sri Lanka have seen strains due to China's growing influence in Sri Lanka through investments and economic dominance. Analyse. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) "वीटो के अधिकार के बिना स्थायी सदस्य बनने के स्थान पर भारत को संयुक्त राष्ट्र सुरक्षा परिषद् का अर्ध-स्थायी सदस्य बनने का प्रयास करना चाहिए।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) ऐतिहासिक रूप से भूटान भारत का मित्र रहा है, परंतु चीन-भूटान के सीमा संबंधी मुद्दे भारत के लिए सुरक्षा के मुद्दे बन गए हैं। चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) "जब तक भारत डब्ल्यू.टी.ओ. की वार्ताओं में सक्रिय भागीदारी नहीं करता, तब तक कोई प्रगति नहीं होगी।" डब्ल्यू.टी.ओ. में भारत के बढ़ते दबदबे के प्रमुख कारणों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) "एशिया-प्रशांत" रणनीति को नई शब्दावली "भारत-प्रशांत" रणनीति से प्रतिस्थापित करने के पीछे के तर्क पर चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) गहरे संबंधों के बावजूद, चीन द्वारा श्रीलंका में निवेश एवं आर्थिक प्रभुत्व के बढ़ते प्रभाव के कारण भारत और श्रीलंका के संबंधों में तनाव देखा गया है। विश्लेषण कीजिए। (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) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, precise application to current events, and balanced critical analysis.
Semi-permanent (longer, renewable) seats as in Uniting for Consensus/intermediate models
India's G4 claim: population, economy, peacekeeping contribution, representation of Global South
G4 2005 formula: veto deferred until review after 15 years; risks of a two-tier Council
Reasoned stand: permanent seat remains the goal; intermediate options within IGN as tactical fallback
50MdiscussIndia's foreign policy transition and Global South leadership
(a) Would you concur with the view that of late, India's foreign policy has been in a transition mode from Nehruvianism to Neoliberalism ? Support your answer with the help of suitable examples. (20 marks)
(b) Does the idea of the 21st century as 'Asian century' continue to remain feasible given the growing friction between India and China ? (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the potential role that India could play as the leader of the Global South in realising the goal of establishing a new international economic order in the 21st century. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या आप इस विचार से सहमत हैं कि हाल में भारत की विदेश नीति नेहरूवाद से नवउदारवाद की ओर संक्रमण की स्थिति में है? उचित उदाहरणों की सहायता से अपने उत्तर का समर्थन कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) क्या भारत और चीन के बीच बढ़ते टकराव को देखते हुए 21वीं सदी के 'एशियाई सदी' होने का विचार संभव प्रतीत होता है? (15 अंक)
(c) 21वीं सदी में एक नई अंतर्राष्ट्रीय आर्थिक व्यवस्था स्थापित करने के लक्ष्य को साकार करने में वैश्विक दक्षिण के नेता के रूप में भारत की संभावित भूमिका पर चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Theory and theorist > Application > Critique. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, specific examples, and balanced judgment
Nehruvian foundations: non-alignment, anti-colonial solidarity, moral diplomacy, state-led import substitution
50MdiscussSAARC, NPT and India-US strategic partnership
(a) Discuss the future of SAARC in the light of India's increased focus on other regional groupings like ASEAN and BIMSTEC. (20 marks)
(b) Critically examine India's persistent refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) despite being recognized as a de facto nuclear power. (15 marks)
(c) "India and USA have become such strong strategic partners that they need not become formal allies." Comment. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) आसियान और बिम्सटेक जैसे अन्य क्षेत्रीय समूहों पर भारत के बढ़ते फोकस/संकेन्द्रण के आलोक में सार्क के भविष्य पर चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) वास्तविक परमाणु शक्ति के रूप में मान्यता प्राप्त होने के बावजूद परमाणु अप्रसार संधि (एन.पी.टी.) पर हस्ताक्षर करने से भारत के लगातार इनकार का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) "भारत और यू.एस.ए. इतने सशक्त रणनीतिक साझेदार बन गए हैं कि उन्हें औपचारिक सहयोगी बनने की आवश्यकता नहीं है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (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) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Rigorous theoretical application, balanced critical analysis, specific examples, clear judgment.
SAARC's paralysis: India–Pakistan rivalry, cross-border terrorism, no summit since Kathmandu 2014, 2016 Islamabad summit cancelled after Uri; 2025 Pahalgam aftermath
India's pivot: BIMSTEC (Charter in force 2024, Bangkok Vision 2030 at the 2025 summit), Act East and ASEAN, BBIN sub-regionalism
Residual value of SAARC: SAFTA, SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund (2020), SAARC Development Fund, South Asian University, people-to-people ties
Future scenarios: dormancy, revival conditional on India–Pakistan normalisation, or reinvention; China's attempts at alternative South Asian forums
Reasons: discriminatory NWS/NNWS divide (1 January 1967 cut-off), weak Article VI disarmament duty, 'nuclear apartheid' critique
Security environment: China (1964 test) and Pakistan; Pokhran-II (1998); doctrine of credible minimum deterrence and no-first-use (2003)
De facto accommodation: 2008 India–US 123 Agreement, NSG waiver (September 2008), MTCR 2016, Wassenaar 2017, Australia Group 2018
Critical assessment: costs (NSG membership blocked, regime friction) versus benefits of autonomy; India cannot join as NWS without amendment
Evolution: from 'estranged democracies' to Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership; 2008 nuclear deal
50Mcritically examineIndia's Palestine policy, Myanmar relations and non-alignment
(a) Critically examine the continuity and change in India's Palestine policy in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the implications of the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar by the Indian Government on the complex ethno-political dynamics of the north-eastern region. (15 marks)
(c) "India has of late, chosen to debunk non-alignment in its pursuit of multi-alignment." Comment. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) चल रहे इज़राइल-हमास युद्ध के मद्देनज़र भारत की फिलिस्तीन नीति में निरंतरता और परिवर्तन का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) उत्तर-पूर्वी क्षेत्र की जटिल नृजातीय-राजनीतिक गतिशीलता पर भारत सरकार द्वारा म्यांमार के साथ मुक्त आवागमन व्यवस्था (फ्री मूवमेंट रिजीम) को समाप्त करने के आशय पर चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) "भारत ने हाल में, बहु-संरेखण की अपनी खोज में गुटनिरपेक्षता को खारिज करने का विकल्प चुना है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (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) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Rigorous theoretical application, precise evidence, and balanced judgment across all parts.
Continuity: recognition of PLO (1974) and State of Palestine (1988), support for a sovereign, viable Palestinian state and two-state solution, humanitarian aid and UNRWA funding
De-hyphenation since 1992: parallel ties with Israel and Palestine; Modi's visits to Israel (2017) and Ramallah (2018)
Post-7 October 2023 posture: condemnation of terrorism, abstention on 27 October 2023 UNGA resolution, votes for December 2023 ceasefire, May 2024 Palestine rights, September 2025 New York Declaration; welcome for October 2025 ceasefire
Critical assessment: interests driving calibration (Israel defence ties, Gulf diaspora and energy, IMEC, I2U2) and whether the shift is principled or pragmatic
FMR background: 1,643 km border, kin communities split by colonial boundary, 16 km zone, 2018 Act East formalisation
Decision: February 2024 announcement to scrap FMR and fence the border; pass-based regime for border residents
Ethno-political implications: Mizo, Kuki-Zo, Naga kinship networks; Mizoram and Nagaland opposition versus Manipur government's support; Meitei–Kuki-Zo conflict and President's Rule (February 2025)
Security versus livelihood trade-off: insurgency, drugs and arms smuggling, Myanmar refugee inflows after the 2021 coup, border trade; need for consultation
Non-alignment's meaning: independence of judgement, strategic autonomy, not neutrality (Nehru); NAM as a Cold War coalition
Multi-alignment: issue-based partnerships with the US (Quad, foundational pacts), Russia (S-400, oil), Iran (Chabahar), France, Gulf states; BRICS and SCO alongside Quad
Argument that India has moved away: security alignment with the West, reduced NAM summit attendance
Counter-argument and verdict: strategic autonomy retained; multi-alignment as non-alignment adapted to multipolarity; continuing Global South leadership