International Relations (B.A Political Science)

Theories of international politics, power, national interest, the Cold War and international organisations like the UN.

6 MonthsDuration 5Chapters25Topics

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Syllabus · पाठ्यक्रम

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01Unit 1: Nature and Theories of International Relations 5 topics

Meaning, nature and scope
Idealism and liberalism
Realism - Hans Morgenthau's six principles
Neo-realism and systems theory
Marxist approach

02Unit 2: Key Concepts 5 topics

National power - elements and limitations
National interest
Balance of power
Collective security
Diplomacy and disarmament

03Unit 3: Cold War and After 5 topics

Origin of the Cold War
Phases - Berlin, Korea, Cuban missile crisis, detente
End of the Cold War and disintegration of the USSR
Unipolar and multipolar world
Globalisation and terrorism

04Unit 4: International and Regional Organisations 5 topics

United Nations - organs and role in peace-keeping
Reform of the UN Security Council
Non-Aligned Movement
SAARC, ASEAN, European Union
BRICS, G-20 and SCO

05Unit 5: India's Foreign Policy 5 topics

Principles and determinants of India's foreign policy
Panchsheel and non-alignment
India's relations with neighbours - Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh
India and the major powers - USA, Russia
Look East / Act East policy

About

You will be able to

Explain the meaning, nature and scope of international relations
Compare realist, liberal and other theories of international politics
Explain national power, national interest, balance of power and collective security
Describe the origin, phases and end of the Cold War and the post-Cold War order
Explain the structure and role of the United Nations and regional organisations like SAARC, ASEAN and BRICS
Describe the principles of India's foreign policy and non-alignment

Who it is for

B.A Political Science students of Semester 6 (UP state universities, NEP 2020 syllabus)
UPSC / UPPSC aspirants (International Relations, GS-II)
Learners interested in world affairs

What you need

B.A Political Science Semesters 1-5 or basic knowledge of political theory

Questions

Which syllabus is followed?

The NEP 2020 common minimum syllabus of UP state universities. Where your university's syllabus differs, the centre follows your own university syllabus.

Are current affairs included?

Yes, recent summits and India's bilateral relations are linked with the syllabus topics.

Is this useful for UPSC?

Yes, it builds the base for International Relations in GS Paper II and the essay.