PSIR Optional · Paper II · Section A: Comparative Politics and International Relations
State in Comparative Perspective Notes · PYQs · Solved Answers
Free notes, every previous year question and the solved answers for State in Comparative Perspective (Paper II, Section A: Comparative Politics and International Relations), arranged so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: The state in capitalist, socialist and post-colonial economies; advanced industrial and developing societies.
13
Solved answers
1991–2026
Years covered
13
Questions listed
4
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Paper II · Unit 02
State in Comparative Perspective notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order. Read a topic, then open its previous year questions below.
Free notes
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Previous year questions: State in Comparative Perspective
Every question UPSC has asked from this unit, year-wise, with a link to its solved answer.
Topic-wise question list
Year-wise question papers
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UPSC PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2025
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2024
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2023
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2022
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2021
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2020
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2019
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2018
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2017
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2016
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2015
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2014
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PSIR Optional Question Paper 2013
Solved answers
Solved PYQ answers: State in Comparative Perspective
Model answers to the previous year questions of this unit, newest exam year first.
PYQ Solutions
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Discuss the factors responsible for the changing nature of states in contemporary industrial societies and explain its impact.
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What are the distinctive features of the post-modern state in the advanced capitalist economies? Analyse.
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What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States?
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The modernization thesis asserts that affluence breeds stable democracy. How do you explain the success of India being the world’s largest democracy as an exceptional case?
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Describe the changing nature of the State in the developing societies in the context of inclusive growth in the 21“century.
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“A combination of internal pressures (Ethnic and regional forces) and external threats (EU, UN, TNC, Global market, etc.) has produced what is commonly referred to as a ‘crisis of the nation-state’.” Elaborate.
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Do you subscribe to the view that the modern constructs of the State and politics are preeminently Eurocentric and not indigenous and appropriate for the analysis of non-western societies?
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‘A minimal State ensures maximum of Individual Liberty.’ Examine the concept of Minimal State. (250 words)
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“Nations and States have become virtually synonymous.” Elucidate. (200 words)
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“Although transnationalism is an important force in contemporary world politics, it is premature to speak of the demise of the nation-state, given the continued attachment to nationalism felt throughout the world.” In the light of this statement, discuss the role of nation-state as an actor in international relations.
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‘Despite a number of trends to the contrary, the State has been and remains the primary actor in the global system. Elucidate the statement by analysing the factors which helped create State and the reasons for the primacy of States as actors in International Relations.
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Comment: Military Industrial Complex.
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How far has interdependence among states undermined sovereignty?
PSIR Optional study material from LotusArise IAS
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| What you get | PSIR Mains Master Kit 2027 | PSIR Complete Notes (Store) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 notes — Political Theory + Indian Government and Politics | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Paper 2 notes — Comparative Politics and India and the World | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Topic-wise PYQ bank | 1986–2026, with trend analysis and probables by Dec 2026 | 1991–2025 question papers, free with every notes pack |
| Practice question set for timed answer writing | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Answer toolkit — intros, conclusions, frameworks, thinker and example banks | By Dec 2026 | ❌ |
| Revision booklets for the last 60 days | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Format | Online articles + PDF | PDF download |
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| Price | ₹1,770 (regular ₹5,000) | ₹1,180 for all four sections · ₹599 a paper · ₹354 a section |
| Best for | Aspirants who want the whole system in one place | Aspirants who want the notes now, in the parts they need |
Other units in Paper II · Section A: Comparative Politics and International Relations
- Comparative Politics
- Politics of Representation and Participation
- Globalisation
- Approaches to the Study of International Relations
- Key Concepts in International Relations
- Changing International Political Order
- Evolution of the International Economic System
- United Nations
- Regionalisation of World Politics
- Contemporary Global Concerns