SET-B

Q1. What do you understand by Realism in International Relations? Discuss the Neo-realist theory of Kenneth Waltz.

Ans1. Realism is a school of thought in international relations that views the world as a competitive and conflict-prone system, with states as the primary actors. Realists believe that the pursuit of power and security is the driving force behind state behaviour, and that international relations is fundamentally characterized by anarchy – the absence of a central authority to govern the actions of states.

The Neo-realist theory of Kenneth Waltz, also known as Structural Realism or Neorealism, is an extension of classical Realism that focuses on the systemic factors that shape international relations. Waltz argues that the international system is characterized by a structural level of analysis, in which states’ behaviours are shaped by the distribution of power in the international system.

According to Waltz, the distribution of power is the most important factor in shaping the behaviour of states. He argues that states exist in a self-help system, where each state seeks to maximize its security by accumulating power. States will balance against each other when there is an imbalance of power, and alliances and conflicts are formed to maintain the balance of power.

Waltz identifies two main types of states in the international system: great powers and small powers. Great powers have the ability to project power beyond their borders and shape the international system, while small powers lack the capability to do so. He argues that great powers are the most important actors in the international system, and that their behaviour is driven by their relative power position in the system.

Waltz also argues that the international system is characterized by a lack of central authority, which leads to a state of anarchy. In this environment, states are free to pursue their own interests without fear of punishment from a higher authority. This leads to a competition for power and security, as each state seeks to protect its own interests.

Overall, Waltz’s Neo-realist theory emphasizes the importance of the structural factors that shape international relations, particularly the distribution of power in the international system. He argues that states are driven by a desire to maximize their security, and that alliances and conflicts are formed in response to the balance of power. His theory has been influential in shaping the field of international relations, particularly in the study of great power politics and the role of structural factors in shaping state behaviour.

Q2. Critically analyse the Neo-liberal theory as given by Robert O. Keohane and Joseph Nye.

Ans2. The Neo-liberal theory of international relations, also known as Neoliberal Institutionalism, was developed by Robert O. Keohane and Joseph Nye in the 1980s as a response to the limitations of Realism in explaining international cooperation and the role of international institutions.

The Neo-liberal theory posits that states can achieve mutual gains through cooperation and interdependence, which can be facilitated by the creation and strengthening of international institutions. Keohane and Nye argue that international cooperation is not just a result of power politics or shared norms and values, but can also be driven by self-interest and rational decision-making by states.

One of the key contributions of Neo-liberalism is its emphasis on the importance of international institutions in shaping state behaviour and facilitating cooperation. Institutions can provide information, reduce transaction costs, and create incentives for states to cooperate. Keohane and Nye argue that institutions can help to overcome the problems of collective action and the lack of trust among states.

Another key element of Neo-liberalism is its emphasis on the role of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations, NGOs, and international organizations, in shaping international relations. Keohane and Nye argue that these actors can influence state behaviour and decision-making, and can promote cooperation and interdependence.

Critics of Neo-liberalism argue that it is overly optimistic about the ability of institutions and non-state actors to shape international relations. They argue that institutions can be ineffective in promoting cooperation, and that states often prioritize their own interests over those of other states or non-state actors. Additionally, critics argue that the theory overlooks power dynamics in international relations, and the role of power in shaping state behaviour.

Another critique of Neo-liberalism is that it fails to account for issues of distribution and justice in international relations. Critics argue that the focus on mutual gains and efficiency overlooks issues of inequality and the distribution of benefits and costs of cooperation.

In conclusion, while the Neo-liberal theory of international relations has contributed to our understanding of the importance of institutions and non-state actors in shaping international cooperation, it has also faced criticism for its optimism and its failure to account for power dynamics and issues of distribution and justice.

Q3. What do you understand by Cold War? Explain various phases of Cold War.

Ans3. The Cold War was a state of political and military tension between the Western powers, led by the United States, and the Eastern powers, led by the Soviet Union, that lasted from the end of World War II in 1945 until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It was called the Cold War because it was primarily a battle of ideas and influence between the two superpowers, rather than a hot war of direct military conflict.

The Cold War had several phases, each marked by different levels of tension and conflict:

The Early Phase (1945-1953): This phase was characterized by cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union as they fought against Nazi Germany in World War II. However, tensions began to rise as the war ended and the two powers began to compete for influence in Europe and Asia. The Soviet Union established communist governments in Eastern Europe, which led to a division between the Eastern and Western blocs.

The Escalation Phase (1953-1962): This phase was marked by a buildup of nuclear weapons and an arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The two sides also engaged in proxy wars, such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War, where they supported opposing sides.

The Detente Phase (1962-1979): This phase was marked by a relaxation of tensions between the two superpowers, with a series of arms control agreements and negotiations. However, proxy wars continued, including conflicts in Angola and Afghanistan.

The Second Cold War Phase (1979-1985): This phase was marked by a renewed increase in tensions, with the Soviet Union invading Afghanistan and the United States increasing its military spending and support for anti-communist groups in Central America.

The End of the Cold War Phase (1985-1991): This phase was marked by a series of events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union, including economic stagnation and reforms by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The end of the Cold War was marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Overall, the Cold War was a period of significant tension and conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, with global implications for international politics and the balance of power. While the threat of nuclear war was ever-present, the two sides were able to avoid direct military conflict and instead engaged in proxy wars and ideological battles.

Q4. Discuss the Feminist understanding of International Relations.

Ans4. Feminist theory in international relations emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, seeking to understand and critique the patriarchal power structures that underpin global politics. Feminist theorists argue that international relations theory and practice have historically been dominated by men and male perspectives, and that this has led to a narrow and incomplete understanding of world politics.

One of the key ideas in feminist international relations theory is the concept of gender as a social construct, rather than a biological fact. Feminist theorists argue that gender is a social identity that is created and reinforced through social practices, cultural norms, and power relations. This gendered lens allows feminists to uncover the ways in which international relations are shaped by gender norms and power structures.

Feminist international relations theory also critiques the traditional focus on state-centric and military approaches to security, arguing that these approaches ignore the ways in which gender intersects with other identities such as race, class, and sexuality. Feminist scholars highlight the ways in which women’s experiences of violence and insecurity are shaped by their gender identity, and how this intersects with other forms of discrimination and marginalization.

Furthermore, feminist international relations theorists seek to highlight the experiences and perspectives of women in global politics, both as actors and as subjects of analysis. They argue that women have historically been excluded from positions of power and decision-making, and that their experiences have been ignored or marginalized in traditional international relations theory.

Overall, feminist international relations theory seeks to challenge traditional power structures and hierarchies in global politics, and to promote more inclusive and equitable approaches to international relations.

Q5. Examine the internal and external factors which influence the making of India’s foreign policy.

Ans5. India’s foreign policy is shaped by a complex mix of internal and external factors. These factors are often interrelated and can have both positive and negative impacts on the country’s foreign policy decisions. Some of the key internal and external factors that influence India’s foreign policy are:

Internal Factors:

Domestic Politics: Domestic politics plays a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign policy. Political parties, interest groups, and public opinion all impact foreign policy decisions. For example, the ruling party’s ideology, electoral calculations, and coalition politics can influence the government’s approach to foreign policy.

Economic considerations: Economic interests and priorities are also important in shaping India’s foreign policy. Trade and investment policies, as well as access to natural resources, have a significant impact on India’s engagement with other countries.

Security concerns: India’s security environment is shaped by a range of internal factors such as terrorism, insurgency, border disputes, and political instability. These factors have a direct impact on India’s foreign policy decisions and relationships with neighboring countries.

Historical and Cultural Factors: India’s foreign policy is also influenced by its historical and cultural ties with other countries. For example, India’s historical relationship with Russia and its cultural ties with the African countries have influenced its foreign policy towards these countries.

External Factors:

Global Power Dynamics: The global power structure and relations between major powers significantly influence India’s foreign policy. India’s foreign policy choices are often influenced by its relations with powerful countries like the US, China, and Russia.

International Organizations: India’s engagement with international organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and other regional organizations also plays a role in shaping its foreign policy.

Neighboring countries: India’s relationship with its neighboring countries such as Pakistan, China, and Nepal are critical in shaping its foreign policy. India’s foreign policy towards these countries is influenced by a range of factors including territorial disputes, trade relations, and geopolitical concerns.

Regional Security: The security environment in South Asia and the broader region also impacts India’s foreign policy decisions. India’s relationship with other countries in the region is shaped by regional security concerns, including terrorism, political instability, and border disputes.

In conclusion, India’s foreign policy is influenced by a complex mix of internal and external factors. Domestic politics, economic priorities, security concerns, historical and cultural factors, global power dynamics, international organizations, neighboring countries, and regional security are all crucial in shaping India’s foreign policy decisions. A nuanced understanding of these factors is necessary for a comprehensive analysis of India’s foreign policy.

Q6. Analyse the factors responsible for the end of Cold War.

Ans6. The end of the Cold War was a significant event in world history, which brought about major changes in global politics. It marked the end of the rivalry between the two superpowers – the United States and the Soviet Union. Several factors contributed to the end of the Cold War, including:

Economic factors: Economic factors played a significant role in the end of the Cold War. The Soviet Union was struggling economically, and its system of communism was not delivering the expected results. This was due to various reasons such as the high cost of maintaining its military, inefficient production methods, and poor living standards for its citizens. In contrast, the United States had a strong and stable economy, which allowed it to compete effectively with the Soviet Union.

Political factors: The political factor was also critical in the end of the Cold War. The Soviet Union was facing internal political and social unrest, and the reforms initiated by the Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, including Glasnost and Perestroika, led to an increase in political freedoms, which ultimately weakened the Soviet system. Additionally, the United States pursued a policy of engagement with the Soviet Union, which led to an easing of tensions between the two countries.

Arms control: Arms control negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union played a significant role in the end of the Cold War. The two superpowers had engaged in an arms race for several years, and the fear of nuclear war had gripped the world. The arms control negotiations led to a reduction in nuclear weapons, which reduced the tensions between the two superpowers.

External factors: External factors such as the collapse of the Soviet Union’s allies in Eastern Europe, the rise of pro-democracy movements, and the reunification of Germany, also contributed to the end of the Cold War. The Soviet Union’s influence in Eastern Europe declined, and several countries such as Poland and Hungary became democratic. This further weakened the Soviet Union’s position.

Role of leadership: The role of leadership was also critical in the end of the Cold War. Leaders like Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were willing to engage in dialogue and compromise, which helped to reduce tensions and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the Cold War.

In conclusion, the end of the Cold War was a complex process that involved a combination of economic, political, arms control, external factors, and the role of leadership. These factors contributed to the weakening of the Soviet Union and the reduction of tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. The end of the Cold War marked a significant turning point in world history and led to major changes in global politics.

Q7. Do you agree that the world is fast emerging as multi- polar? Give suitable reasons for and against your argument.

Ans7. Arguments for the idea that the world is fast emerging as multi-polar:

Rise of China: China’s economic and military growth has been significant over the past few decades, which has allowed it to emerge as a major power on the global stage. China’s rise has challenged the dominance of the United States, and other countries are also looking to align themselves with China, which suggests a shift towards a multi-polar world.

Multiple centers of power: In addition to China and the United States, other countries such as Russia, Japan, India, and the European Union are also emerging as centers of power. These countries have their own economic, military, and diplomatic capabilities, which allows them to play a significant role in global politics.

Changing global dynamics: Global dynamics are changing rapidly due to factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and the rise of non-state actors. This has led to a shift in power from traditional state actors to non-state actors, which suggests a move towards a more decentralized and multi-polar world.

Arguments against the idea that the world is fast emerging as multi-polar:

Continued dominance of the United States: Despite the rise of China and other emerging powers, the United States continues to dominate the global economy, military, and diplomatic spheres. This suggests that the world is still unipolar, with the United States at the center of global power.

Lack of global governance: Despite the emergence of multiple centers of power, there is still a lack of effective global governance. The United Nations, for example, has been criticized for its inability to effectively address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.

Interdependence: The world is becoming increasingly interdependent, which suggests that countries are more connected and reliant on each other than ever before. This interdependence may prevent the emergence of a truly multi-polar world, as countries may need to work together to address global challenges.

In conclusion, while there are arguments for and against the idea that the world is fast emerging as multi-polar, it is clear that global power dynamics are changing. Whether or not the world becomes truly multi-polar will depend on several factors, including the rise of emerging powers, global governance, and interdependence.

Q8. Write short notes on Any Two of the following

(a) Dependency Theory

Ans8 a Dependency theory is a theory of economic development that argues that the development of the Global North is dependent on the underdevelopment of the Global South. The theory emerged in the 1960s as a critique of modernization theory, which argued that developing countries could achieve economic growth and development by following the same path as developed countries.

Dependency theory argues that developing countries are trapped in a cycle of dependence on developed countries for trade, finance, and technology. The theory suggests that developed countries use their economic power to maintain their dominance over developing countries, creating a situation where developing countries are unable to achieve economic growth and development.

The key assumptions of dependency theory include:

The international system is characterized by unequal relationships between developed and developing countries.

Developed countries use their economic power to exploit developing countries, by controlling the terms of trade, exploiting natural resources, and controlling access to technology.

Developing countries are unable to break out of this cycle of dependence on developed countries because of the structural barriers created by the global economic system.

The only way for developing countries to achieve economic growth and development is through a radical restructuring of the global economic system, including the creation of new international institutions and the redistribution of economic power.

Dependency theory has been criticized for oversimplifying the relationship between developed and developing countries and for neglecting the role of domestic factors in economic development. However, it has also contributed to a broader understanding of the global economic system and the challenges faced by developing countries in achieving economic growth and development.

(b) Détente

Ans8 b Détente is a term that refers to a period of improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1970s. The term comes from the French word détente, which means “relaxation.”

The period of détente was marked by a series of agreements between the United States and the Soviet Union, aimed at reducing tensions between the two superpowers. These agreements included the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which limited the number of nuclear weapons each country could possess and the systems used to deliver them.

Détente was driven by several factors. The first was the fear of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union, which had reached a dangerous level during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The second was the desire to reduce the economic and military burden of the Cold War, which was draining resources from both countries.

However, détente was not without its challenges. There were significant differences in the political systems and ideologies of the United States and the Soviet Union, which made it difficult to find common ground on many issues. Additionally, there were internal pressures in both countries to maintain a tough stance against the other, particularly from hardliners in the military and intelligence communities.

Despite these challenges, détente was seen as a significant achievement in reducing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, it came to an end in the late 1970s, as a result of a number of factors, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the election of Ronald Reagan as President of the United States, who took a more confrontational approach to the Soviet Union.

(c) India as an emerging

Ans8 c India is often referred to as an emerging power due to its growing economic, political, and military influence in the world. The country has the world’s second-largest population, a large and growing middle class, and a young demographic, making it a significant consumer market and a potential source of skilled labor.

India’s economy has been growing rapidly in recent years, with the country becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy in terms of nominal GDP in 2019. The government has been implementing economic reforms and promoting foreign investment to further boost growth and modernize infrastructure.

India’s foreign policy is increasingly focused on expanding its influence in the world, particularly in its immediate neighborhood, and strengthening ties with major powers like the United States, Russia, and China. India is also playing an active role in regional organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the BRICS grouping of emerging economies.

However, India faces significant challenges in realizing its potential as an emerging power. These include economic inequality, corruption, infrastructure deficiencies, and geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries like Pakistan and China. The country is also grappling with the impact of climate change and facing significant social and political issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Kashmir and tensions between different ethnic and religious groups.

Despite these challenges, India’s emergence as a significant global player is expected to continue, with the country poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping global politics and economics in the coming years.

(d) Non-Alignment

Ans8 d Non-alignment was a policy adopted by a group of countries during the Cold War era, who sought to remain neutral and not align themselves with any of the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. The policy was initiated by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, along with other leaders of newly independent countries in Asia and Africa in the 1950s.

The non-alignment movement aimed to create a group of nations that were not aligned with either of the two power blocs during the Cold War, and to promote cooperation and peaceful coexistence between nations. The movement emphasized the need for self-determination, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

Non-alignment was seen as a way to maintain independence and prevent becoming embroiled in the ideological and military conflicts between the two superpowers. It was also seen as a means of avoiding military alliances that could be detrimental to the interests of the member countries.

The non-alignment movement played an important role in global politics during the Cold War era, and helped to shape the political landscape of the newly independent countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, with the end of the Cold War and the emergence of new global challenges, the relevance of the non-alignment movement has declined.

Today, India remains committed to the principles of non-alignment, but has also established strategic partnerships with other countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, to promote its national interests and address global challenges. While the non-alignment movement may no longer be as relevant as it was during the Cold War era, the principles of non-alignment continue to influence India’s foreign policy and its approach to international relations.