INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THEORY AND PROBLEMS
Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section.
Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20
marks.
SECTION- I
1. Explain the role of UN in the current world order.
2. Define international terrorism. How does patriotism become the epicenter of
terrorism?
3. Do you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Explain with example.
4. What is ethnicity? Explain the reasons of ethnic wars.
5. Migration has become an international issue. Explain the reasons of refugee
issues in the world.
1. Explain the role of UN in the current world order.
The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 as a successor to the League of Nations with the aim of promoting international cooperation and maintaining peace and security in the world. The UN currently has 193 member states, making it a globally representative body. The role of the UN in the current world order is multifaceted and complex.
Firstly, the UN serves as a platform for international cooperation and diplomacy, bringing together countries to discuss and address issues of global concern. This includes issues such as climate change, human rights, poverty alleviation, and conflict resolution. Through various bodies and agencies, the UN also provides technical and humanitarian assistance to countries in need.
Secondly, the UN plays a key role in maintaining international peace and security. This is primarily done through the UN Security Council, which has the authority to authorize military interventions and sanctions against states that pose a threat to international peace and security. The UN also operates peacekeeping missions in conflict zones around the world to help maintain peace and protect civilians.
Finally, the UN serves as a forum for promoting human rights and justice globally. The UN Human Rights Council monitors and addresses human rights abuses around the world, while the International Court of Justice serves as a legal body to adjudicate disputes between states.
Despite its achievements, the UN faces numerous challenges in its role as a global organization. These include limitations in its authority and enforcement mechanisms, inadequate funding and resources, and issues of representation and legitimacy. However, the UN remains a vital institution in the current world order, providing a platform for international cooperation, peacekeeping, and promoting human rights and justice.
2. Define international terrorism. How does patriotism become the epicenter of terrorism?
International terrorism refers to acts of violence committed by non-state actors against civilians or non-combatants in order to advance a political or ideological agenda. Such acts are often perpetrated by extremist groups that operate across borders and seek to destabilize governments or societies. International terrorism poses a significant threat to global peace and security, and has become a key focus of many governments around the world.
Patriotism refers to the love and loyalty that people feel towards their country or nation. It can become the epicenter of terrorism when extremist groups use it to justify their violent actions. This can be seen in situations where individuals or groups believe that their country or nation is under threat, and that they must take extreme measures to protect it. In such cases, patriotism becomes a powerful motivator for violent action, leading individuals or groups to engage in acts of terrorism in the name of defending their country or nation.
For example, some extremist groups view the West as a threat to their cultural or religious values, and see themselves as defenders of their country or religion against Western influence. They may carry out attacks against Western targets, such as embassies or tourist sites, in the belief that such actions are necessary to protect their country or religion. Similarly, some nationalist groups may use patriotism as a justification for violence against minority groups or immigrants, viewing such actions as necessary to defend their country or nation from perceived threats.
It is important to note that patriotism itself is not inherently linked to terrorism. Rather, it is the way in which extremist groups use it to justify their actions that is problematic. Governments and civil society organizations can work to counter such narratives by promoting inclusive and tolerant societies, and by addressing the underlying grievances and social inequalities that may fuel extremist ideologies.
3. Do you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Explain with example.
The question of whether the world is unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar is a complex and contested one. Each of these terms refers to a different configuration of global power and influence, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
A unipolar world is one in which there is a single dominant power or superpower that holds sway over the international system. This was the case during the period following the end of the Cold War, when the United States emerged as the world's sole superpower. In a unipolar world, the dominant power is able to exert significant influence over the global system, but may also face challenges in maintaining that dominance over time. For example, the US has faced increasing challenges from rising powers such as China, which are seeking to challenge its dominance in various areas.
A bipolar world is one in which there are two major powers or superpowers that dominate the international system. This was the case during the Cold War, when the US and the Soviet Union were the two dominant powers. In a bipolar world, the two superpowers may engage in a power struggle that can lead to conflict and instability. However, such a configuration can also provide a degree of stability and predictability, as each superpower seeks to maintain a balance of power with the other.
A multipolar world is one in which there are multiple major powers or superpowers that compete for influence and control over the international system. This is the configuration that is currently emerging in the world, with rising powers such as China, India, and Brazil challenging the dominance of the US and other Western powers. In a multipolar world, power is more widely distributed, which can make it difficult for any one power to exert significant influence over the system. However, such a configuration can also lead to increased competition and conflict as different powers jockey for position and influence.
It is difficult to say definitively which configuration the world currently fits into, as it is constantly evolving and shifting. However, it is clear that the world is becoming increasingly multipolar, with rising powers challenging the dominance of established powers. For example, China's growing economic and military power has allowed it to assert itself more aggressively in various areas, leading to tensions with the US and other powers. At the same time, other rising powers such as India and Brazil are also seeking to increase their influence on the global stage.
In conclusion, the question of whether the world is unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar is a complex one that requires careful consideration of various factors. While the world may have been unipolar in the past and bipolar during the Cold War, it is becoming increasingly multipolar as rising powers challenge the dominance of established powers. This can lead to increased competition and conflict, but can also provide opportunities for cooperation and collaboration as different powers seek to find common ground.
SECTION- II
Write a short note on each part of the following questions in about 250 words
6. a) Realist Theory (b) Democratic peace theory
7. a) The role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) (b) Issues of Human Rights
8. a) Nuclear threats (b) East –West divide
9. a) Marxist approach to International Relations (b) Neo-liberal theory of IR
10. a) Define basic features of South Asia (b) Indigenous Movements
6. a) Realist Theory in 250 words:
Realism is a school of thought in international relations that posits that states are the primary actors in the international system, and that their behaviour is driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power. Realists believe that the international system is anarchic, meaning that there is no overarching authority to enforce rules or norms, and that states must rely on their own capabilities to protect their interests.
Realists view international relations as a competition for power and influence, with states engaging in a constant struggle to maintain their security and enhance their relative power vis-à-vis other states. They argue that the pursuit of power and security is the primary driver of state behavior, and that states will use whatever means necessary to achieve these goals, including the use of force.
Realist theory has been influential in shaping international relations since the emergence of the modern state system in the seventeenth century. Realists argue that international relations is characterized by a balance of power between states, with the most powerful states dominating the international system. They also contend that international institutions and law are relatively powerless in the face of the anarchic nature of the international system.
b) Democratic peace theory in 250 words:
Democratic peace theory is a theory in international relations that posits that democracies are less likely to go to war with one another than non-democracies. The theory suggests that the institutional and cultural characteristics of democracies make them less prone to conflict with one another.
Proponents of democratic peace theory argue that democratic states tend to have more peaceful relations with one another because they share common values and interests, have more open and transparent political systems, and are more likely to resolve conflicts through negotiation and compromise. They also suggest that democratic leaders are more accountable to their citizens and are therefore less likely to engage in risky or aggressive behavior that could lead to conflict.
Critics of democratic peace theory argue that it oversimplifies the complex factors that contribute to conflict and peace in international relations. They point out that democracies have been involved in wars with non-democracies, and that the absence of war between democracies could be due to other factors such as economic interdependence or shared security arrangements.
Overall, democratic peace theory remains a contentious and debated issue in international relations, with proponents and critics offering different perspectives on the nature of conflict and peace between democracies and non-democracies.
7. a) The role of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 250 words:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization that was created in 1944 to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate international trade, and promote economic growth and stability. The IMF works with member countries to provide financial and technical assistance, and to promote sound economic policies and practices.
The primary role of the IMF is to provide financial assistance to member countries experiencing balance of payments problems. This assistance is typically provided in the form of loans, which are designed to help countries address their short-term financing needs while implementing policy reforms to address underlying economic issues.
In addition to its lending activities, the IMF also provides technical assistance and training to member countries on a range of economic issues, including macroeconomic policy, fiscal management, and financial sector regulation. The IMF also conducts economic research and analysis to inform its policy recommendations and to help member countries better understand global economic trends and challenges.
b) Issues of Human Rights
Human rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religion, or any other status. Human rights issues are a major concern in international relations as they impact the lives of people across the world. Some of the main issues in human rights include discrimination, violence, torture, genocide, and restrictions on freedom of speech, expression, and assembly.
Discrimination is a major human rights issue that affects people all over the world. Discrimination can take many forms such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia. These forms of discrimination can lead to unequal opportunities, harassment, and even violence against individuals or groups based on their identity. Governments and international organizations have a responsibility to protect individuals from discrimination and to promote equal rights and opportunities.
Another important issue in human rights is violence, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and genocide. These human rights violations are often perpetrated by state actors or non-state actors such as rebel groups. The responsibility to protect individuals from violence lies with governments and international organizations. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established to prosecute individuals who commit crimes against humanity, including genocide and war crimes.
Finally, restrictions on freedom of speech, expression, and assembly are also major human rights issues. These rights are essential for the functioning of democratic societies and for promoting open and free debate. Governments should ensure that individuals are free to express their opinions and to gather peacefully without fear of reprisal or harassment.
In conclusion, human rights issues are an integral part of international relations and require concerted efforts by governments, international organizations, and civil society to protect and promote the rights of individuals across the world.
KEYWORDS:
#internationalrelations #IRtheory #globalpolitics #foreignpolicy #MPS002 #ignouassignment #diplomacy #humanrights #globalization #securitystudies