Assignment Code: BPSC-109/ASST/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: BPSC-107

Assignment Name: Perspectives on International Relations and World History

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Assignment - I

Answer the following in about 500 words each. Each question carries 20 marks.

Q1) Briefly describe the major trends in the study of International Relations in the post-war years.

Ans) In the post-World War II era, the study of International Relations (IR) underwent significant evolution, marked by pivotal trends that shaped the discipline:

a)    Realism and Neorealism (1940s-1970s):

1)      Classical Realism: Established itself as the preeminent theory in the years following World War II, with a concentration on power dynamics, state-centric perspectives, and the influence of human nature on international relations. Academics such as Hans Morgenthau have placed a strong emphasis on the significance of state interests and the battle for power in the process of defining global politics.

2)     Neorealism: It was developed by Kenneth Waltz in the 1970s, and it switched the focus from the behaviour of individuals to the influences of specific systems. Neorealism was characterised by its emphasis on the anarchic international system and the allocation of power among states. It was also responsible for the introduction of the notion of "balance of power."

b)   Behavioural Revolution (1950s-1960s):

1)      In international relations, there is a paradigm shift toward empirical and scientific techniques. In an effort to gain a better understanding of worldwide events, academics attempted to employ behavioural analysis, quantitative research, and scientific methodologies.

2)     With regard to the study of international relations, Quincy Wright and Harold Lasswell argued for the use of social science procedures, which placed an emphasis on the collection of data, measurement, and systematic analysis..

c)    Idealism and Liberalism (Post-War Period):

1)      Idealism: Advocated by Woodrow Wilson, idealism focused on cooperation, international law, and institutions to achieve peace. It influenced the creation of the League of Nations and later, the United Nations.

2)     Liberalism: Evolved to stress the importance of international cooperation, economic interdependence, and institutions in mitigating conflicts and fostering mutual benefit. Scholars like Robert Keohane highlighted the significance of international regimes and institutions in maintaining stability.

d)   Critical Theories and Post-Colonial Perspectives (Late 20th Century):

1)      Critical Theories: Challenged established paradigms, questioning power structures, inequalities, and Western-centric biases in IR. These theories highlighted social, economic, and political aspects, aiming to provide alternative views.

2)     Post-Colonial Perspectives: Focused on the impact of colonial legacies on global politics, critiquing Eurocentric biases and advocating for diverse perspectives in understanding international relations.

e)    Globalization and Interdependence (Late 20th Century-Present):

1)      The rise of globalization brought increased interconnectedness, characterized by technological advancements, economic interdependence, and transnational networks.

2)     Globalization theories emerged, emphasizing the erosion of state sovereignty, the rise of non-state actors, and the changing nature of power in a globalized world.

f)     Constructivism (1990s-Present):

1)      This perspective places an emphasis on the role that ideas, norms, identities, and social structures play in the formation of international relations. The author argues against deterministic perspectives and emphasises the significance of social context and shared understandings in the process of shaping the behaviour of states.

There is a wide range of theoretical ideas and methodologies that are represented by these themes in post-war international relations. A multifaceted understanding of global politics and international interactions has been fostered as a result of the evolution of the discipline from classical realist perspectives to neorealism, behavioural analysis, idealism, liberalism, critical theories, globalisation, and constructivism. This has resulted in the enrichment of the discipline.

Q2) What were the reasons for the outbreak of the First World War? Elaborate.

Ans) The outbreak of World War I in 1914 was the culmination of complex and interwoven factors that escalated tensions among European powers:

a)    Alliance System and Entangled Alliances: Both the Triple Entente, which included of France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, and the Triple Alliance were the two primary military alliances that were formed among the European nations (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). The complex web of alliances resulted in a domino effect, in which a conflict involving one nation might rapidly result in the involvement of other nations due to their pledges to the alliance.

b)   Imperialism and Colonial Rivalries: Rivalries and territorial conflicts were exacerbated as a result of the intense competition that European countries engaged in for colonial territory. Tensions and competition among European nations increased as a result of the hunt for colonies in Southeast Asia and Africa.

c)    Militarism and Arms Race: Militarism was rampant, with European powers engaging in an arms race, stockpiling weapons, and expanding their military capabilities. This build-up of military strength intensified suspicions and insecurities among nations.

d)   Nationalism and Ethnic Tensions: A sense of pride and allegiance to one's nation was fostered as a result of the increased prevalence of nationalism across Europe. On the other hand, it also intensified tensions between ethnic groups inside multinational empires such as Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, which resulted in internal turmoil and a yearning for independence.

e)    Balkan Crisis and Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: For a long time, the Balkan region was a breeding ground for nationalist groups and ethnic tensions. In June of 1914, a Bosnian Serb nationalist carried out the murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo. This event served as a catalyst, which ultimately resulted in Austria-Hungary issuing an ultimatum to Serbia.

f)     Complex System of Mobilization Plans: Once arrangements for military mobilisation had been launched, it was difficult to reverse them. European powers had elaborate plans for military mobilisation. Because of the interrelated nature of the alliance system, the mobilisation of one nation set off a chain reaction, which ultimately resulted in a quick escalation into war.

g)   Failed Diplomacy and Crisis Escalation: Unfortunately, the diplomatic efforts that were made to avoid conflict were failed. Rather than pursuing diplomatic settlements, the continuation of inflexible alliances and the growing mistrust among nations led to the escalation of minor conflicts into a full-scale war. This would have been preferable to the pursuit of diplomatic deals.

It was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that served as the immediate spark that sparked tensions, which ultimately led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia. The intricate web of alliances, nationalism, militarism, imperial ambitions, and the crisis in the Balkans produced a volatile atmosphere in which a conflict that was initially confined to a small area quickly developed into a confrontation that involved significant countries on a global scale.

A confluence of long-standing rivalries, intricate geopolitical circumstances, and a precarious power balance among European states led to the commencement of World War I, which ultimately resulted in one of the bloodiest conflicts in the annals of human history.

Assignment - II

Answer the following questions in about 250 words each. Each question carries 10 marks.

Q1) What is critical theory and how has it enriched the study of International relations?

Ans) Critical theory in International Relations (IR) is a diverse approach that challenges established norms, power structures, and assumptions in global politics. It emerged as a response to traditional IR theories, aiming to uncover underlying power dynamics, inequalities, and injustices within the international system.

a)    Challenging Dominant Paradigms: Critical theory questions prevailing paradigms such as realism and liberalism. It critiques the assumed neutrality of international institutions, highlighting how power and interests influence global governance and international policies.

b)   Uncovering Power Structures: It examines power structures within and among states, emphasizing how unequal power relations shape global politics. Critical theorists delve into issues of hegemony, exploitation, and marginalization, shedding light on how dominant groups maintain their positions of power.

c)    Emphasis on Social Constructs and Identity: Critical theory focuses on social constructs, norms, and identities in shaping international relations. It explores how identities, discourses, and ideologies impact global interactions and influence state behaviour.

d)   Advocating for Social Change and Justice: Critical theorists seek to expose and address social injustices, advocating for emancipation, equality, and social change. They emphasize the importance of ethics, human rights, and social justice in shaping global governance.

e)    Enriching IR Discourse: Critical theory enriches IR by introducing diverse perspectives and alternative viewpoints. It challenges scholars to consider non-traditional factors such as gender, culture, race, and social class in analyzing global politics.

f)     Methodological Pluralism: Critical theory encourages methodological diversity, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches and qualitative methodologies. This allows for a broader understanding of global phenomena beyond traditional quantitative analyses.

Overall, critical theory has enriched IR by challenging conventional wisdom, providing alternative insights, and fostering a deeper understanding of power relations, social injustices, and the complexities of global politics. It encourages scholars to critically examine assumptions, ideologies, and structures that shape international relations, promoting a more nuanced and inclusive study of global affairs.

Q2) Examine the role of anti-imperialist movement in India in shaping its foreign policy.

Ans) The anti-imperialist movement in India played a significant role in shaping the country's foreign policy by influencing its core principles, diplomatic strategies, and global engagements:

a)    Foundations of Non-Alignment:

1)      India's anti-imperialist struggle under Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized non-alignment, advocating independence from colonial powers, and avoiding alignment with any superpower bloc during the Cold War.

2)     The movement stressed the need for autonomy, sovereignty, and self-determination, shaping India's commitment to non-alignment and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

b)   Advocacy for Decolonization and Global Solidarity:

1)      India actively supported and advocated for the decolonization of Asian and African nations. Leaders like Nehru and others encouraged solidarity with newly independent countries, championing their causes in international forums.

2)     India's support for anti-colonial movements and its emphasis on global solidarity against imperialism influenced its foreign policy, aligning it with the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

c)    International Institutions and Multilateralism:

1)      The anti-imperialist movement led India to prioritize participation in international institutions like the United Nations. India sought to champion the cause of newly independent nations and advocate for reforms in global governance structures.

2)     India's emphasis on multilateralism and its support for global disarmament, peace, and development echoed the anti-imperialist ethos of empowering weaker nations.

d)   Policies of Panchsheel and Third World Solidarity:

1)      India's adoption of the Panchsheel principles with China in 1954 reflected its commitment to peaceful coexistence and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, further reflecting the anti-imperialist spirit.

2)     India's active engagement with the Third World and advocacy for common goals against imperialism and exploitation demonstrated its commitment to anti-imperialist ideals on a global scale.

The anti-imperialist movement significantly shaped India's foreign policy by ingraining principles of sovereignty, non-alignment, solidarity with oppressed nations, and the pursuit of global peace and justice. India's foreign policy sought to uphold these principles in its interactions with the international community, contributing to a more equitable and just global order.

Q3) Enumerate the core assumptions of the Marxist approach to international relations.

Ans) The Marxist approach to International Relations (IR) is rooted in the fundamental principles of Marxist theory and offers a unique perspective on global politics:

a)    Historical Materialism: Marxist IR assumes that historical development is driven by material forces and class struggle. It views historical progress as the result of economic factors, particularly the conflict between social classes—bourgeoisie (capitalists) and proletariat (working class).

b)   Primacy of Economic Relations: Economic factors and class interests dominate global politics. Marxist theory asserts that the capitalist mode of production shapes international relations, where states serve the economic interests of dominant capitalist classes.

c)    Imperialism and Capitalist Exploitation: Marxist IR highlights the role of imperialism as an extension of capitalist exploitation. It views imperialism as a mechanism for the expansion of capitalism into other regions, exploiting their resources and labor for the benefit of capitalist powers.

d)   Dialectical Materialism and Conflict: Dialectical materialism, a key tenet of Marxism, suggests that contradictions and conflicts within the capitalist system drive historical change. In international relations, this translates into conflicts between capitalist states over resources, markets, and spheres of influence.

e)    State as an Instrument of Capitalist Class: Marxist IR contends that the state serves the interests of the ruling capitalist class. It views the state as an apparatus used to maintain capitalist relations, protect property rights, and suppress dissent, both domestically and internationally.

f)     Global Capitalist System and Dependency: The Marxist approach highlights the global nature of capitalism, emphasizing unequal economic relations between core capitalist nations and peripheral countries. It underscores the dependency of the latter on the former, perpetuating under development and exploitation.

g)   Revolution and Transformation: Marxist IR posits that revolutionary change, and the overthrow of the capitalist system are necessary for genuine transformation and the establishment of a classless society. It anticipates that the working class will eventually revolt against capitalist exploitation on a global scale.

The Marxist approach to IR offers a critical lens through which to analyse global politics, focusing on economic determinism, class struggle, and the dynamics of imperialism and capitalist exploitation. It emphasizes the structural inequalities within the global system and calls for fundamental socio-economic transformation.

Assignment - III

Write a short note on the following in about 100 words each. Each short note carries 6 marks.

Q1) NGOs in the UN system

Ans) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role within the United Nations (UN) system:

NGOs serve as vital partners to the UN, offering expertise, advocacy, and grassroots connections to advance global agendas, from human rights to environmental conservation. They contribute to policy development, provide humanitarian aid, and facilitate information dissemination. NGOs engage in various UN bodies, including ECOSOC (UN Economic and Social Council), participating in meetings, conferences, and discussions, fostering inclusive dialogues, and enhancing the implementation of UN initiatives by bridging gaps between governments and civil society.

Q2) The concept of Global Village

Ans) The concept of the Global Village, popularized by Marshall McLuhan in the 1960s, portrays the world as an interconnected community brought closer together by electronic media and communication technologies. It signifies the shrinking of distances, allowing instant communication and interaction across the globe. This metaphorical village suggests a sense of interconnectedness, shared experiences, and the ability to access information from distant corners of the world, facilitating cultural exchange, collaboration, and awareness of global issues. It underscores the idea that events in one part of the world can have reverberations and impacts on distant communities, emphasizing our collective global interdependence.

Q3) Judith Ticker’s critique of Realism

Ans) Judith Tickner's critique of Realism in International Relations challenges its gender-blind approach. She argues that Realism, with its focus on power politics and state-centricity, neglects the significance of gender in global politics. Tickner critiques the gender-neutral language and assumptions within Realist theories, highlighting the exclusion of women's experiences, roles, and contributions in shaping international relations. She advocates for a feminist perspective that recognizes gender hierarchies, identities, and power dynamics, offering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of global politics beyond the traditional Realist framework. Tickner's critique aims to expand the discourse in IR to incorporate gender analysis and acknowledges the importance of diverse perspectives in studying world affairs.

Q4) The Versailles Treaty

Ans) The Versailles Treaty, signed in 1919, marked the end of World War I and aimed to establish peace terms between the Allied Powers and Germany. It placed significant blame for the war on Germany and its allies, leading to territorial losses, disarmament, and reparations for damages caused during the conflict. The treaty's harsh terms, particularly the imposition of heavy reparations, weakened Germany's economy, fuelling resentment, and contributing to socio-economic instability, a key factor in the rise of Nazism and World War II. It redrew boundaries, created new nations, and introduced the League of Nations, yet its punitive nature ultimately contributed to geopolitical tensions and subsequent conflicts.

Q5) The Pots-dam Conference

Ans) The Potsdam Conference, held in July-August 1945, was a pivotal meeting among the Allied leaders—Harry S. Truman (USA), Winston Churchill (later replaced by Clement Attlee) (UK), and Joseph Stalin (USSR)—to discuss post-World War II Europe and Germany's future. It addressed issues regarding the occupation of Germany, the demilitarization, and denazification processes, and the administration of post-war Europe. The conference outlined principles for a post-war order, including the division of Germany into occupation zones and the establishment of the Council of Foreign Ministers. However, emerging tensions between the Western Allies and the USSR foreshadowed the onset of the Cold War.