IR Past papers

2021
Q. 2. Define International Relations. Discuss it’s changing/ evolving scope.
Q. 3. Comparatively discuss the modernist IR theories (Realism and Liberalism) with post-modernist IR theories
(Feminism and Constructivism).
Q. 4. Explain the concept of ‘Comprehensive Security’ differentiating it from the traditional concept of ‘Power’. Is it
an appropriate concept for developing and poor countries?
Q. 5. Identify and analytically explain the various conflict resolution methods.
Q. 6. What is the role of economy in state behaviour? How does it influence definition of National Interest and how
is used as a tool of achieving foreign policy goals? Discuss with examples.
Q. 7. Identify the different types of non-State actors in International Relations and their impact on the International
System.
Q. 8. Identify and discuss determinants of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy.
2020
Q. 2. How the Neo-Realist and Constructivist approaches differ over the study of state behavior in the contemporary
international politics?
Q. 3. Describe the concept of Pre-Emptive Self-Defense in the context of International Law and critically evaluate
the legitimacy of US use of force against Iraq.
Q. 4. What do you understand by International Political Economy? How it promotes economic dependency in the
developing states?
Q. 5. Define the concept of Strategic Culture and highlight the major determinants of Pakistan's Strategic Culture.
Q. 6. Explain the concept of Economic Liberalism and relate its core interests with the concept of Neo-imperialism.
Q. 7. Critically evaluate the US Indo-Pacific policy. Do you believe the current US strategies are aimed at
containing growing economic super power China?
Q. 8. Describe the geo-strategic importance of Indian Ocean and highlight its impacts on Pakistan’s Maritime
security.
2019
Discuss the significant features of "Treaty of Westphalia" and the development of modern nation state system.
Q. 3. Discuss the concept of “Idealism”. Explain its core perceptions and define its agenda of peace for the stability
of world.
Q. 4. Discuss the concept of Security. in the post-Cold War era. Explain its changing dimensions and define its
Strength and weaknesses tor the nation states.
Q. 5. Discuss the concept of "Hybird and Social Media" as a means of modem psychology warfare. Explain its
characteristics and suggest measures to promote national security.
Q. 6. Critically discuss the idea of "Dependence and Interdependence". Explain its advantages and disadvantages for
the poor countries.
Q. 7. Discuss the development of “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty" NPT). define its main features and explain its
status in present world.
Q. 8. Pakistan is going to International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its bailout package to resolve its financial
problems through prudent management. Discuss Pakistan's external debt problems and domestic liabilities to
stabilize country's economic uncertainty.
2018
Q. 2. Describe the evolutionary process through which International Relations acquired the status of an academic
discipline.
Q. 3. What are the points of convergence and divergence in Neo-Realist and Constructivist approaches to the study
of state behaviour in contemporary international politics?
Q. 4. What are the changing dimensions of security and how they vary from the classical concept of international
security?
Q. 5. Define the concept of Strategic Culture and highlight the major determinants of Pakistan’s Strategic Culture.
Q. 6. Explain the concept of Economics Liberalism and relate its core interests with the concept of Neo-imperialism
or creating Economic Dependency.
Q. 7. Globalisation is a buzz word of present day International Economic and Social Order; do you agree that it is
transforming quickly the national cultures and politics?
Q. 8. Describe the concept of Pre-Emptive Self-Defence in the context of International Law and critically evaluate
the legitimacy of US use of force against Iraq.
2017
Q. 2. What are the essential differences between the liberal internationalist and realist theories? In your
opinion, why is realism the most dominant theory in the discipline of International Relations?
Q. 3. The positivist and postpositivist debate offers a striking contrast in terms of approach and methodology
to the study of International Relations. Describe, compare and critically evaluate the divergence between the
two debates. Are there any point of convergence?
Q. 4. The nation another state system is in a flux with an independence referendum in Scotland and
projected for Catalonia in September 2017. Critically evaluate reasons as to why the modern nationstate in
Europe faces internal challenges to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Q. 5. The rise of China is being heralded as a return of ‘balance of power’ politics in international relations.
As the world moves towards multipolarity, account for the essential features of the international security
architecture and its evolving dynamics.
Q. 6. Define globalisation and its attenda nt manifestations in global politics. Do you agree with the view
that economic globalisation is a form of neo stands to exploit the Third World states?imperialism which
only
Q. 7. Critically evaluate the strategically competitive dynamics of Pa kistanIndia relations in the context of
Pakistan’s growing ties with China and India’s increased alignment with the United States.
Q. 8. The nonstate actor as a military competitor is gaining ground in the Middle East with the rise of ISIS.
What strategies can the United Nations and major powers implement in order to ensure peace and security in
Iraq and Syria.
2016
Q. 2. Examine the concept of National Power and its essential ingredients.
Q. 3. Point out the main goals of Foreign Policy of states and determine the factors which influence its
making and implementation.
Q. 4. What is the significance of Security to states? How far do you agree that international security has
given way to global security in face of new challenges of Terrorism and Human Security?
Q. 5. Define International Law and explain its Nature. Is it of significance to the development of laws of war
and their application?
Q. 6. Is war a rational act of state policy? Explain in view of the wars fought in the 20 century.
Q. 7. Keeping in view the Charter assess the working of the United Nations in the new millennium.
Q. 8. Write notes on any TWO of the following: (a) Feminism (b) Neo-liberalism (c) Social Constructivism
2015
Q. 2. “A single catastrophic event “Nine Eleven”, has turned the world topsy-turvy”. Discuss.
Q. 3. Visualise the post-Taliban scenario in Afghanistan and discuss its implications forPakistan.
Q. 4. Pakistan-China relations are historic andtimes tested, have devolved a momentum oftheir own and are
continuing. Explain.
Q. 5. The phenomenon of terrorism has occupied centre stage in today’s world. Highlightthe difference between
terrorism and freedom struggle. Discuss the issue of terrorismin backdrop of what is happening in Palestine,
Afghanistan and Kashmir.
Q. 6. “In her foreign policy and trade, Pakistan has never benefitted fully from the ideal Geostrategic location”.
Discuss.
Q. 7. Discuss the economic and strategic importance of Gawadar port for Pakistan and for the region.
Q. 8. Write short notes on any TWO of the following:(a) Terminology of AF-PAK(b)E.C.O.(c)O.I.C.