Topic: Key Concepts in International Relations
Why does global human security need to be emphasized along with economic security? Explain with examples.
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 traditional/economic security is state- and income-centred → human security shifts the referent to the individual (freedom from fear, want, indignity) →…
“The notion of balance of power is notoriously full of confusion.’ In the light of this quotation, do you think that the concept of balance of power is relevant?
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 realist device against domination, works in multipolarity → Wight’s “confusion” conceded, but located in definition, not useRoute 2 concept notoriously confused…
“A combination of internal pressures (ethnic and regional forces) and external threats (EU, UN, TNC, global market, etc.) has produced what is commonly 999 referred to as a ‘crisis of the nation-state.” Elaborate.
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 nation-state as long-central actor → now squeezed from three directions at once → subnational + transnational + supranationalRoute 2 the ‘crisis’…
Discuss the changing nature of modern state with reference to transnational actors.
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 modern state = sole authority over security & economy → transnational actors unsettle it → state now shares space it once…
What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country’s soft power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world politics.
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 soft power (Nye) = make others want what you want → attraction / co-option, not coercion → set against hard powerRoute…
“Some feel Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are a vital new road to economic growth, whereas others feel they perpetuate underdevelopment.’ Discuss.
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 growth thesis (Friedman, Bhagwati) vs underdevelopment (Frank, Myrdal)Route 2 growth ≠ development; structural dependence obscured by GDP gainsBody flowpro-growth: FDI, employment,…
Discuss the utility of Nuclear Deterrence Theory in the context of the recent standoff between India and Pakistan.
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 deterrence’s core logic: catastrophic retaliation / MAD deters attack → Brodie’s dictum → applied to India–Pakistan dyadRoute 2 India’s NFU +…
Discuss the conceptual dimensions of collective security.
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 realism leaves every state to secure itself → collective security makes security of one the concern of all → liberals read…
Transnational actors have qualitatively transformed the world by the way of their fresh insights and actions. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
Flow snapshot — how the answer movesIntro routesRoute 1 Thiel: cross-border agents pursuing goals independently of governments → impact is qualitative, not additional → interstate cooperation gives way to multi-actor…
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