PAPER -1
Q1. Comment on the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
- Normative approach in Political Science
- Multicultural perspective on rights
- State of Nature as State of War (Hobbes)
- Foucault’s concept of power
- Decline of political theory
Q2.
- Success of contemporary democracies lies in the State limiting its own power. Explain. (20)
- Rawls’ idea of the liberal self’ is too individualistic. Explain, in this context, the communitarian critique of Rawls’ theory of justice. (15)
- ‘Credo of Relevance’ in post-behaviouralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyze. (15)
Q3.
- Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary Democracу. Explain. (20)
- Affirmative Action Policies draw as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality. (15)
- Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss. (15)
Q4
- Buddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain. (20)
- The legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development.” (J. S. Mill). Comment. (15)
- Sri Aurobindo’s idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social, political and cultural history. Analyze. (15)
Q5. Comment on the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
- Imprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution
- Environmentalism of the poor
- Functions of District Planning Committee
- Satyagraha and Indian Nationalism
- National Commission for Minorities
Q6.
- Discuss the major provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Do you think that the Act remains an ‘unfulfilled dream’? Argue your case. (20)
- How does NITI Aayog as a ‘policy think tank with shared vision’ visualize the reorganization of planning in India? Justify your answer. (15)
- The Constitution of India is the ‘cornerstone of a nation’. (Granville Austin). Analyze. (15)
Q7.
- Does the actual working of Indian federalism conform to the centralizing tendencies in Indian polity? Give reasons for your answer. (20)
- The main goal of the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution is to generate civic responsibility among the citizens. Explain. (15)
- Ambedkar’s clarion call, “Educate, Agitate and Organize”, strategizes the Dalit movement towards achieving civil liberty. Discuss. (15)
Q8.
- The rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment. (20)
- The decade 1989–1999 has created an epochal shift in the Indian party system at the national level. Identify the major national trends in the party system during this era. (15)
- Do you agree that over the years the Supreme Court has become a forum for policy evolution? Justify your answer. (15)
PAPER -2
Q1. Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
- What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in Comparative Politics?
- What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States?
- How does democratic politics construct citizenship?
- What is the structure and functions of International Court of Justice?
- Discuss the structure and functions of UN Security Council.
Q2.
- Discuss the relevance of the normative ethos of the Non-Aligned Movement in magnifying India’s soft power in pursuit of her national interest. (20)
- In what ways does the functionalist approach in international relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics? (15)
- How does the regime change and political crisis in Myanmar threaten regional security and peace? (15)
Q3.
- “During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a ‘Third force’ in World Politics, but failed because it was too large and unwieldy.” Discuss. (20)
- Account for the rise of European Union as a highly influential regional organisation. (15)
- Narrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (!5)
Q4.
- Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world. (20)
- What do you mean by offensive and defensive realism? (15)
- Discuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future? (15)
Q5. Answer the following in about 150 words: (50 marks)
- Explain the major features of India’s Foreign Policy in the 21st century.
- What are the reasons for lack of ‘regionness’ in South Asia?
- Why is the compromise reached at WTO regarding the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing not a Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver?
- Why do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain major impediments to regional co-operation in South Asia?
- What diplomatic steps has India taken to articulate the interests of the Global South in International Politics?
Q6.
- Arms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India – Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment. (20)
- Discuss the importance of India’s role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (15)
- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India’s strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of China in Asia. Discuss. (15)
Q7.
- “India’s Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy.” Discuss. (20)
- What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021? (15)
- What are the challenges and limitations in India – Iran relations? (15)
Q8.
- What are the external determinants of the Foreign Policy of a State? (20)
- Discuss the significance of “West Asia Quad” in the light of India’s Look West’ policy. (15)
- Discuss the major drivers of India’s interests in Africa. (15)