Approaches to the Study of International Relations: PSIR Optional PYQs

Approaches to the Study of International Relations: Idealist, Realist, Marxist, Functionalist and Systems theory.

Realist

1. Examine the main assumptions of the Realist theory. (1991)
2. “Realism as an approach to international relations helps to explain why states fight are threaten each other, but it is less effective in explaining much of the cooperative behaviour we see … ” Comment. (1996)
3. Comment: Traditional approach and its significance. (2003)
4. Clearly explain Realist Theory to the study of International Politics. (2003)
5. Discuss the realist and neo-realist approaches in the study of International relations.  (2008)
6. Examine the post- modernist critique of Realism in international politics. (2010)
7. What are the great debates between ‘classical’ and ‘modern’ realists? Is there any thin line of continuity between these two traditions? (250 words) (2012)
8. Examine major principles of State centric world views. (200 words) (2013)
9. Write a note on Intellectual precursors of Realism. (200 words) (2013)
10. Identify the major differences between the classical realism of Hans J. Morgenthau and the neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. Which approach is best suited for analysing international relations after the Cold War? (2015)
11. Is Realist Approach the best method to understand International Relations? Examine this in the context of Classical Realism. (2017)
12. Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. (2018)
13. Discuss the emergence of neo-realism and its basic tenets. (2021)
14. What is the realist prescription to the States to ensure their survival in an anarchical world? (2022)
15. What do you mean by offensive and defensive realism? (2023)

Marxist

1. Comment: Marxist approach to international politics. (2002)
2. Do you agree with the notion that Marxist approach to the study of International relations is largely based on economic reductionism? Give reasons. (2008)
3. Does the perspective of Dependency Theory offer a robust critique on the nature of mainstream development process taking place in Africa and Latin America? (2012)
4. How does Marxist approach explain contemporary International Relations? (200 words) (2013)
5. Explain the relevance of the Marxist approach in the context of globalization. (2019)
6. “Marxist approach to the study of international relations has lost its relevance in the post-cold war era.” Comment. (150 words) (2021)
7. Discuss the commonalities between the Marxist and Realist approach to the study of International Politics. (2022)

Game Theory

1. Comment: Game Theory for the study of International Politics and its limitations. (2005)

Decision-Making Theory

• Discuss, with illustrations, the way decision making is influenced by the external and internal environment as perceived by the decision maker. (1994)
• “The decision-making is only a partial theory of international politics.” Critically examine the above statement. (1999)
• Analyse and evaluate the role of decision-making theory as a tool of foreign policy analysis. (2006)

Functionalist and Systems Theory

1. Examine the explanatory potential of Kaplan’s systems theory in explaining the phenomenon of international politics in the present context. (1998)
2. Discuss the Systems Approach to the Study of International Relations. (2004)
3. Explain the use of systems approach in international relations and examine the relevance of Kaplan’s system analysis. (2011)
4. ‘Building ‘peace by pieces’ is the basis of functionalism’. Elaborate. (2013)
5. “Morton A. Kaplan’s system theory is contrary to the fundamental precepts of systems approach.” Comment. (2014)
6. Critically examine the functional and system approaches to the study of international relations. (2016)
7. Examine the World Systems Approach as developed by Immanuel Wallerstein. (2017)
8. Critically examine the Functionalist approach to the study of International Relations. (2018)
9. In what ways the functionalist approach in International relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics? (2023)
10. Explain the central tenets of the World-Systems Theory. (2024)

Theories of Imperialism/ Colonialism/ Neo-colonialism/ Liberalism/ Idealism

1. Comment: Neo-colonialism. (1991)
2. Comment: Cultural Imperialism. (1993)
3. “The traditional principle of sovereignty which plays a central role in the foreign policies of all states, is now increasingly counteracted by the growing facts of interdependence…” Discuss. (1995)
4. Comment: Cultural Imperialism. (1997)
5. Comment: Neo-Colonialism. (1998)
6. What are the major critiques of liberal internationalism? (2009)
7. Do you agree that liberal international theories are essentially ‘Eurocentric’ and not necessarily imperialist? (150 words) (2012)
8. Discuss the main factors that have contributed to the gradual transformation of the world from ‘Billiard Ball Model’ to ‘Cobweb Model’.  (2014)
9. What, according to Joseph Nye, are the major sources of a country’s soft power? Discuss its relevance in the contemporary world politics. (2018)
10. What are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study International Relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace building. (2020)
11. “The post-colonial state was thought of an entity that stood outside and above society as an autonomous agency.” Explain. (2021)
12. Explain the various facets of the idealist approach to the study of international relations. Comment on its contemporary relevance. (2024)
13. ‘The Gramscian theory of hegemony provides many valuable insights into the nature of global power.” Comment. (2024)