PAST PAPER ANALYSIS-

PAPER I
sections
HISTORY
THEORIES AND APPROACHES
CONCEPTS
FOREIGN POLICY
CURRENT AFFAIRS-pakistan section
CURRENT AFFAIRS-Global issues and International institutions
PAPER1-
1.Definition INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
Define International Relations. Discuss its scope and importance of the study of International
Relations. (2000)

Describe the evolutionary process through which International Relations acquired the
status of an academic discipline.

-Do you agree that in contemporary International Relations, International Economic and Trade
linkages are being used as pressure tactics in inter-State Relations. (2000)

International Relations is a Separate discipline! Discuss. (2001)

The age of isolation is over. The modern states act and behave as member of the international
community. Qualify the statement with reference to the following: (2004)
(a) Definition and scope of International Relations.
(b) Nature and utility of the subject.

The relations between the sovereign states of the world are becoming one of the most
important aspects of contemporary life. Evaluate with reference to the importance of
international relations. (2005)

Comparatively analyze the basic philosophy of International Relations, “Peace and Security” has
been challenged by the emerging “Economic Regionalism and Military Technologies”. (2007)

Discuss the importance of International Relations as a field of study. (2009)

"Can you imagine a world with out inter-state relations"? Explain the importance of International
Relations in the Nuclear age. (2010)

-Define International Relations. Identify and explain its continuously changing and expanding
nature and subject matter? (2011)

-Discuss the development of the study of " International Relations" and define its core influential
factors and define its role in the post cold war era? (2012)
-Discuss evolution and development of the discipline of International Relations; define the
dominant factors responsible for and explain their role in the post-cold war era.(2014)

Q2. How does the definition and scope of international relations evolve in light of the ongoing
war
situations in Ukraine and Palestine? What insights do these conflicts my, into the complexities of
global
diplomatic, political, and socio-economic interactions?

Define International Relations. Discuss it’s changing/ evolving scope.

Theories and approaches

Q3. How do the thoughts of Woodrow Wilson, Norman Angell, and Alfred Zimmern contribute to
the
development of Liberal Internationalism? Analyze and discuss various aspects of Liberal
Internationalism,
considering the perspectives of these thinkers and examining their respective beliefs on global
governance,
peace, and cooperation.

What are the points of convergence and divergence in Neo-Realist and Constructivist
approaches to the study of state behaviour in contemporary international politics?

Write notes on any TWO of the following: (10 each)

(a) Feminism
(b) Neo-liberalism
(c) Social Constructivism

What are the essential differences between the liberal internationalist and realist
theories? In your opinion, why is realism the most dominant theory in the discipline of
International Relations?

The positivist and post-positivist debate offers a striking contrast in terms of approach
and methodology to the study of International Relations. Describe, compare and
critically evaluate the divergence between the two debates. Are there any point of
convergence?

How the Neo-Realist and Constructivist approaches differ over the study of state

behavior in the contemporary international politics?

Discuss the main principles of Constructivism in International Relations. Give a

comparative analysis of constructivism and realism with examples.

How would a realist analyze the current problems in International Politics; (2005)

Explain, with examples, the main principles of the NEO-REALIST SCHOOL OF THOUGHT in
International
Relations.

How does Neo-Realism differ from Classical Realism?(2006)

Explain, with examples, the main principles of the NEO-LIBERAL SCHOOL OF THOUGHT in
International Relations.

How does Neo-Liberalism differ from Classical Liberalism/Idealism? (2006)

Identify the main arguments of the Realism and Liberalism in International Relations. Which
approach appeals to you as a better explaining International Relations and why? Discuss the
empirical evidence.(2011)

Comparatively discuss the modernist IR theories (Realism and Liberalism) with post-
modernist IR theories (Feminism and Constructivism).

2-FOREIGN POLICY
In the modern era the foreign policy is directly affected by the economic conditions of a country.
Discuss. (2001)

Explain the future of Disarmament with reference to the foreign policy Of major Powers. (2001)

Define " Economics as an instrument in foreign policy" and explain its fundamental characteristic
which can help to achieve state's objectives.
(2012)

Point out the main goals of Foreign Policy of states and determine the factors which

influence its making and implementation.

Q5. Graham Allison has devised different models for making choices in foreign policy decisions.
Compare
and contrast the Rational Actor Model and the Bureaucratic Politics Model to illustrate foreign
policy decisions. Which model better explains Pakistan’s decision 2015 to decline Saudi Arabia’s
call for
armed support in the Yemen war?

How do rational theories of foreign policy explain state decision making? Discuss the
tenets of the theory in light of the decision made by Pakistan in response to Saudi
request of sending troops during Yemen crisis in 2015.

An analysis of the anatomy of foreign policy is an essential pre-requisite to an

understanding of the dynamics of International Relations. Analyse the central
theme of Pakistan’s foreign policy in the war against terrorism?

It is argued that democratic countries pursue peaceful foreign policies. Support your

answer with concrete examples.

3-AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY

Critically evaluate American Foreign Policy towards Afghanistan. (2001)

In your opinion what are the distinguishing features in a profile of American foreign policy since
1990? (2002)

Critically evaluate American foreign policy towards Pakistan. (2009)

Carry out a comparative analysis of US foreign policy towards South Asia during and after the
Cold
war.(2013)

The manner in which a nation’s ideology dominates its foreign policy is

constantly in confusion. Explore the relationship between capitalist democracy
and foreign policy of United States of America.

4-PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY

How does domestic politics influence foreign policy decision making? Explain with reference to
Pakistan’s policy towards India. (2006)

What are the four essentials of Resource Management? When does a

resource become
an element of power “OR” a resource curse? Discuss the Reko-Diq case in
this
context.

Explain objectives and determinants of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Identify and discuss determinants of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy.

INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY

Discuss the moral imperatives of “Indian Foreign Policy” with the
contending spirit of “Panchsheel” and evaluate how much it helps to
strengthen diplomatic objectives of the country’s foreign policy?

RUSSIA FOREIGN POLICY

Q3. Under President Putin, Russian foreign policy has experienced a revival.
Russia is back on the world
stage and projecting its power through economic and less politico-military
means. Comment.

5-CHINESE FOREIGN POLICY

Analyze and elaborate the changes in Chinese foreign policy since the death of Mao dse dung.
(2002)

Foreign policy scholars argued that transnational actors influence the contours of any
country’s foreign policy. Discuss keeping in mind the foreign policy of China.

6-IMPERIALISM
Define Imperialism and discuss the Economic Theories of Imperialism. (2000)
Define Economic Imperialism. How far it is correct to say that the G-7 countries have embarked
upon
Economic Imperialism in the Third World through WTO and Multi-National Corporations? (2003)
Do you agree that 19th century European International Society was merely a means of
legitimizing
Imperialism? (Re-Exam 2013)

7-DÉTENTE
Short Notes: Detente (2002)
Define Detente. Is a Detente possible between India and Pakistan? Give your arguments. (2003)
8-DETERRENCE
Short Notes: Deterrence (2003)

What is nuclear deterrence? Is it an appropriate Policy? What are alternatives to nuclear

deterrence?
(2005)

How have the nuclear doctrines of India and Pakistan evolved? What do
their current doctrines imply for deterrence stability in South Asia?

9-NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION
Define the Politics of Nuclear Proliferation. How far the super powers have been responsible for
the proliferation of Nuclear weapons. (2000)

What is Nuclear Proliferation? How far the United States of America is justified in pursuing the.
Policy of Non-proliferation towards North Korea and Iran? (2003)

What is nuclear proliferation? How far the United states of America is justified in making a
nuclear deal with India? (2009)
What nuclear proliferation concerns have stemmed from the dissolution of the Soviet Union?
Has the western world been able to address these concerns? (Re-Exam 2013)

Do you support the argument that Iran-US nuclear deal will bring a new wave of instability in the
region and can also cause serious implications for global non-proliferation regime?(2014)

What benefits India might have gained by joining Missile Technology Control Regime
(MTCR)? Highlight possible impacts it may have upon strategic stability in South
Asia.

Discuss the “Moral Dimensions of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme”. Explain

its
essential features and justify its offensive gesture which maintained the
national and
regional strategic balance.

Discuss the significance of IAEA. Critically evaluate its role in nuclear non-
proliferation.
Discuss the development of “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty” (NPT),
define its main features and explain its status in present world.

10-INTERNATIONAL LAW
International Law is a significant instrument in regulating conduct of states and International
Organizations. Discuss (2001)
Short Notes: International Law and International Morality (2001)
Short Notes: International Law (2002)
International system creates interactions among states through diplomacy, international law, and
economic relations. Comments. (2005)
“Development of International Law and Organization are the efforts of all states to make
International System less anarchic”. Elucidate the statement. (2008)
Define and explain the international Law. Does International Law have any real role in
international
Relations? (2011)

Discuss the concept of state sovereignty. What are the major arguments about non-
interference in International Law?

Describe the concept of Pre-Emptive Self-Defense in the context of International Law

and critically evaluate the legitimacy of US use of force against Iraq.

Define International Law and explain its Nature. Is it of significance to the

development of laws of war and their application?

The nation-state system is in a flux with an independence referendum in Scotland and

another projected for Catalonia in September 2017. Critically evaluate reasons as to
why the modern nation-state in Europe faces internal challenges to its sovereignty and
territorial integrity.

11-GLOBALIZATION N REGIONALISM
Is globalization under threat because of world economic crises? (2013)
Define the term globalization. Do you believe its prospects are threatened because of the
current
economic crises in general and third world economies in particular.(2014)

"Globalization” and "Regionalism ". do you think these terms are antagonistic or complimentary?
Give examples in your arguments. (2002)

Elaborate Systems Thinking Theory in view of Pakistan and Globalization.

Discuss in detail how globalization has affected the concept of security?

Globalisation is a buzz word of present day International Economic and

Social Order;

do you agree that it is transforming quickly the national cultures and

politics?

13-BALANCE OF TERROR
"Balance of terror and not of Power is helpful in maintaining Peace in the nuclear Power age
Comment. (2001)
Short Notes: Balance to Terror (2004)
Define balance of terror. How far it has succeeded in preventing a major war in the world?
(2010)

14-POWER N BALANCE OF POWER

"It is the national power both Tangible and Intangible that determines the actual as well as
potential
power of state". In the light of this statement discuss in detail the nature the attributes of
national
power. (2002

In the context of its nature, purpose and devices, how does balance of power influence regional
systems? (2005)
How does domestic politics influence foreign policy decision making? Explain with reference to
Pakistan’s policy towards India. (2006)
Describe interactions among Nations through diplomacy for establishing balance of power to
preserve
their National Interest. (2007)
Critically discuss the concept of Balance of power in the light of Hans Morgenthau's thought.
(2013)
Explain the concept of Balance of Power in international relations and evaluate its relevance
after the
demise of Soviet Russia.(2014)

Define ‘Balancing Act’ in International Relations. What are Pakistan’s

imperatives
and constraints with regard to maintain balancing in relations with the
major
powers?

Define power. Explain with examples the concept of hard power, soft power
and smart

power in international politics.

Examine the concept of National Power and its essential ingredients.

Does China's rise challenge the global political system? What are the
implications on Balance of Power Politics?

INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL

SECURITY

Discuss the concept of “Security” in the post-Cold War era. Explain its
changing dimensions and define its strength and weaknesses for the nation
states.
What are the multidimensional and multifaceted impacts of climate change
on multiple dimensions of security? Identify each, discuss and analyze
under the theoretical framework of Security and International Relations.

What are the changing dimensions of security and how they vary from the
classical concept of international security?

The rise of China is being heralded as a return of ‘balance of power’ politics

in international relations. As the world moves towards multipolarity,
account for the essential features of the international security architecture
and its evolving dynamics.

Explain the concept of ‘Comprehensive Security’ differentiating it from the

traditional
concept of ‘Power’. Is it an appropriate concept for developing and poor
countries?

What is the significance of Security to states? How far do you agree that
international
security has given way to global security in face of new challenges of
Terrorism and
Human Security?

TREATY OF WESPHALIA
Evaluate the general view the peace of Westphalia as the founding moment for modern state
system. Do you think this system is challenged in the contemporary world?(2013)

Discuss the significant features of “Treaty of Westphalia” and the development of

modern Nation-State System.

“Europeans transformed Westphalian System of States into empires during 16th, 17th and 18th
centuries to increase their Wealth and Power.” Elucidate the statement.(2007)
NAZISM
What were the foundational principles of Nazism using which Hitler raised to power in

Germany?

15-WORLD WAR II
Elucidate the impact of world war II on the decolonialization process in Asia. (2013)

Discuss and explain the causes of World War II. Could a different policy by Britain, France and
USA have avoided its occurrence? (2011)

IR BETWEEN TWO WARS

To what extent did the regime established in Russia by the Bolsheviks represent
it’s revolutionary ideology for consumerism, political stability, law and order
and social progress?

Discuss the core causes of “Bolshevik Revolution” in Russia and explain its
fundamental political and socio-economic impact on the Western European
politics.

COLD WAR
Discuss and analyze the role of Soviet Union during the Cold War. Was it a stabilizing or
destabilizing factor in International Relations? Elaborate your answer with reference to theory
and facts.(2011)

Evaluate the strength and liabilities of “containment of world revolution policy”

during the cold war.

Critically discuss the origin and developments of the cold war and its consequences on world
politics.
(2009)
Discuss and analyze the role of Soviet Union during the Cold War. Was it a stabilizing or
destabilizing
factor in International Relations? Elaborate your answer with reference to theory and facts.
(2011)
Discuss the development of the study of " International Relations" and define its core influential
factors and define its role in the post cold war era? (2012)
Discuss the strategic importance of "Indian ocean" in the post cold war scenario and analyze the
role
of the United States and China in the region. Also identify vital political,economic,and strategic
interests of both great powers in the contemporary geopolitical situation. (2012)
Do you agree that the post-Cold War international scenario has generated more constraints that
opportunities for Pakistan's foreign policy? If so, what those? Suggest measures enabling
Pakistan to
face the 'new challenges'.(2014)

Cold war is considered as one of the longest peace in great powers’ history. What
deterministic factors ensured relative peace in great powers’ relations during the Cold
War?

POST COLD WAR HISTORY

Q6. Compare and contrast Fukuyama’s End of History’ and Huntington’s Clash of Civilization’ in
the
backdrop of the interpretation of the post-Cold war era. Which interpretation seems more
attractive in
explaining international politics in the post-Cold war era?

Write a critical analysis of the theory of ‘Clash of Civilizations’. What are the prospects of a
dialogue among Civilizations? (2006)

Critically analyze Samuel P. Huntington’s concept of “Clash of Civilizations”.

Define
its main characteristics and explain its devastating consequences on the
different
leading civilizations of the nations.
17-DIPLOMACY
International system creates interactions among states through diplomacy, international law, and
economic relations. Comment. (2005)
Describe interactions among Nations through diplomacy for establishing balance of power to
preserve
their National Interest. (2007)
Discuss "Diplomacy" and define its kinds. Explain diplomatic means which can help to resolve
disputes
and conflicts in the world. (2012)
Do you believe that Diplomacy is the ultimate way to resolve international desputes? What
diplomatic
means are significant to realize that goal in general and Pakistan-India in particular? (2014)

Explain the following diagram in the light of multi-track diplomacy. Which is

the most

important track of diplomacy and why?

Note:please question 8 of PAPER II IR 2020

CLIMATE CHANGE AND IR

Q5. How do you define Climate Change and Global Warming, What
concrete evidence supports the assertion that the climate is undergoing
change? Analyze the scientific discourse surrounding human-
induced climate change, exploring the role of human activities in this
phenomenon. Provide thoughtful suggestions for securing the climate on
planet Earth, considering both individual and collective actions.
18-INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
The economic power determines the superiority and political domination of a country in
International
System? Discuss. (2004)
International system creates interactions among states through diplomacy, international law, and
economic relations. Comments. (2005)
The emergency of sovereign state as a primary actor was just the beginning of the evolution of
modern International System. Assess the pace of change in International Relations from 1815 to
1914.
(2008)

“Development of International Law and Organization are the efforts of all states to make
International System less anarchic”. Elucidate the statement. (2008)
How effective the UN in dealing with global problems. What will the International System look
like in
the year 2050? (2008)

Identify the different types of non-State actors in International Relations and their

impact on the International System.

19-INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
Do you agree that in contemporary International Relations, International Economic and Trade
linkages
are being used as pressure tactics in inter-State Relations. (2000)
What are the major demands of the SOUTH against the NORTH for a New International
Economic
Order. (2002)
Economics realities compelled the members of the developing world to demand for the
establishment
of New International Economic Order. Give your comment. (2009)
"After the downfall of Colonialism. The western Powers have embarked upon a new policy of
"Economic Imperialism" through IMF, World Bank, Multi-nationals and WTO". Do you agree?
Substantiate (2010)

What are the principal challenges and potential opportunities for economic liberalization and
democratization in the Muslim world? (2006)

How are international financial institutions i.e., FATF, IMF and multilateral
organizations used as tool of coercion and what are options for countries
like
Pakistan to safeguard their interests?
Critically discuss the fundamental factors of “Greece Economic Crisis” which need
huge financial assistance from European Union and IMF as a debt relief to create “a
breathing space” to stabilize economy and explain out-of-the-box solution for the
crisis-ridden country.

What are the major policy prescriptions of structural adjustment and

stabilisation of the World Bank and IMF vis-à-vis Pakistan?

Critically discuss the idea of “Dependence and Interdependence”. Explain its

advantages and disadvantages for the poor countries.

Define globalisation and its attendant manifestations in global politics. Do

you agree with the view that economic globalisation is a form of neo-
imperialism which only stands to exploit the Third World states?

Determine the factors in emergence of Neoliberal Institutionalism; highlight

your discussion with practices of International Financial Institutions and
Pakistan.

Q4. Is the financial support provided by the IMF truly a “debt trap,” as some
argue, or does it serve as a
supportive mechanism for the economic recovery of impoverished nations?
Through a comprehensive
analysis, evaluate the impacts of IMF assistance on the financial health of
recipient countries, considering
both the criticisms and the supportive stance. Conclude with a bold and
clear position on the role of IMF
in economic recovery of poor nations.
Role of IMF in developing countries is a contested issue in academic
research. What

are some positive and negative implications on low income countries?

Evaluate the impact of IMF loan on economy of Pakistan.

What is the role of economy in state behaviour? How does it influence

definition of
National Interest and how is used as a tool of achieving foreign policy goals?
Discuss
with examples.

What do you understand by International Political Economy? How it

promotes

economic dependency in the developing states?

Explain the concept of Economic Liberalism and relate its core interests with
the
concept of Neo-imperialism.

Explain the concept of Economics Liberalism and relate its core interests with the

concept of Neo-imperialism or creating Economic Dependency.

Pakistan is going to International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its bailout package to
resolve its financial problems through prudent management. Discuss Pakistan’s
external debt problems and domestic liabilities to stabilize country’s economic
uncertainty.

24-NATION-STATE
President Bush's invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, without sound genuine reasons has made the
future of the Modern Nation State doubtful. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (2003)
How can a Nation state best protect her interest and identity in a transitional World Order?
(2008)
Describe and discuss the concept of Nation-State and evaluate its future in the light of certain
recent
developments. (2009)
Describe the basic features of modern nation state. What are the dangers to its future? (2010)

25-INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY
Discuss the significance and increasing role of International Society in the classically sovereign
domains of state with reference to United Nations. Also debate whether the UN in its present
structure of status can play the increased role expected of it? (2011)

32-NATIONALISM
Nationalism has been major cause of conflicts. Justify with special reference to the following:
(2004)
(a) Western concept of Nationalism
(b) Islamic concept
Discuss "Nationalism" and define its silent features in the post cold war situation and explain its
grave
consequences with reference to eastern Europe, African continent and South Asian tragic
incidents.
Also debate whether the UN and superpowers played any role in preventing bloodbath in the
regions.
(2012)
Is nationalism ultimately about preserving cultural identity against global pressure towards
homogenization? Discuss.(Re-Exam 2013)

War AND PEACE

War and Peace are conflicting values of International Politics. A state cannot encourage one
without
sacrificing other. Describe three means of peace and security in nuclear age. (2008)

What are the best policy options to deal with asymmetrical warfare?

How can Pakistan develop credible capabilities to deter ‘Hybrid’ warfare?

Identify and analytically explain the various conflict resolution methods.

Is war a rational act of state policy? Explain in view of the wars fought in the 20th

century.

Discuss the concept of “Hybird and Social Media” as a means of modern psychology
warfare. Explain its characteristics and suggest measures to promote national security.

33-MISCELLANEOUS
How for was Germany responsible for the outbreak of war in 1914(Re-Exam 2013)

The post Cold War, World Order promised Peace, Security, Democracy, Nuclear Non-proliferation
and Human Rights protection. Assess its repercussions at present confronted by the world
community in the context of Terrorism, Nuclear Proliferation, Globalization and erosion of
Human Dignity. (2007)

In what ways was the Versailles treaty a contributory factor to european political instability in
the period 1919-39? (2013)

Define the concept of Strategic Culture and highlight the major determinants of

Pakistan's Strategic Culture.

Define the concept of Strategic Culture and highlight the major determinants of

Pakistan’s Strategic Culture.

Discuss the concept of “Idealism”. Explain its core perceptions and define its agenda of peace

for the stability of world.