UPSC CSE Mains 2023 PSIR Optional Questions
PAPER - I
SECTION-A
1. Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5-50
(a) Normative approach in Political Science
(b) Multicultural perspective on rights
(c) State of Nature as State of War (Hobbes)
(d) Foucault's concept of power
(e) Decline of political theory
2. (a) Success of contemporary democracies lies in the State limiting its own power. Explain. (20 Marks)
(b) Rawls' idea of the liberal self is too individualistic. Explain, in this context, the communitarian critique of Rawls' theory of justice. (15 Marks)
(c) 'Credo of Relevance' in post-behaviouralism advocates the importance of action science. Analyze. (15 Marks)
3. (a) Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary democracy. Explain. (20 Marks)
(b) Affirmative Action Policies draw as much strong criticism as strong support. Analyze this statement in the context of equality. (15 Marks)
(c) Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss. (15 Marks)
4. (a) Buddhist thought on Dhamma facilitates the emancipation of political action. Explain. (20 Marks)
(b) "The legal subordination of one sex to another is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human development." (J. S. Mill). Comment. (15 Marks)
(c) Sri Aurobindo's idea of Swaraj has deep significance in the Indian social, political and cultural history. Analyze. (15 Marks)
SECTION - B
5. Comment on the following in about 150 words each : 10×5-50
(a) Imprint of the British Constitution on the Indian Constitution
(b) Environmentalism of the poor
(c) Functions of District Planning Committee
(d) Satyagraha and Indian Nationalism
(e) National Commission for Minorities
6. (a) Discuss the major provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Do you think that the Act remains an 'unfulfilled dream? Argue your case. (20 Marks)
(b) How does NITI Aayog as a 'policy think tank with shared vision' visualize the reorganization of planning in India? Justify your answer. (15 Marks)
(c) The Constitution of India is the 'cornerstone of a nation'. (Granville Austin). Analyze. (15 Marks)
7. (a) Does the actual working of Indian federalism conform to the centralizing tendencies in Indian polity? Give reasons for your answer. (20 Marks)
(b) The main goal of the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution is to generate civic responsibility among the citizens. Explain. (15 Marks)
(c) Dr. Ambedkar's clarion call, "Educate, Agitate and Organize", strategizes the Dalit movement towards achieving civil liberty. Discuss. (15 Marks)
8. (a) The rise of caste politics is to be attributed to both regional aspirations and electoral manifestations. Comment. (20 Marks)
(b) The decade 1989-1999 has created an epochal shift in the Indian party system at the national level. Identify the major national trends in the party system during this era. (15 Marks)
(c) Do you agree that over the years the Supreme Court has become a forum for policy evolution? Justify your answer. (15 Marks)
PAPER - II
SECTION A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5-50
(a) What are the crucial functions of empirical political theory in Comparative Politics?
(b) What are the difficulties faced by a political theorist in comparing the States ?
(c) How does democratic politics construct citizenship?
(d) What is the structure and functions of International Court of Justice?
(e) Discuss the structure and functions of UN Security Council.
Q2. (a) Discuss the relevance of the normative ethos of the Non-Aligned Movement in magnifying India's soft power in pursuit of her national interest. (20 Marks)
(b) In what ways does the functionalist approach in International relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics? (15 Marks)
(c) How does the regime change and political crisis in Myanmar threaten regional security and peace? (15 Marks)
Q3. (a) "During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to become a "Third force' in World Politics, but failed because it was too large and unwieldy." Discuss. (20 Marks)
(b) Account for the rise of European Union as a highly influential regional organisation. (15 Marks)
(c) Narrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (15 Marks)
Q4. (a) Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world. (20 Marks)
(b) What do you mean by offensive and defensive realism? (15 Marks)
(c) Discuss the various constraints on American hegemony today. Which of these are likely to become more prominent in the future? (15 Marks)
SECTION B
Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5-50
(a) Explain the major features of India's Foreign Policy in the 21st century.
(b) What are the reasons for lack of 'regionness' in South Asia?
(c) Why is the compromise reached at WTO regarding the Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing not a Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver ?
(d) Why do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies continue to remain major impediments to regional co-operation in South Asia?
(e) What diplomatic steps has India taken to articulate the interests of the Global South in International Politics?
Q6. (a) Arms trade, economic ties and congruent geo-political interests are no longer the three pillars of India - Russia relationship in the emerging strategic context. Comment. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the importance of India's role in UN peacekeeping operations as a ground for its claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (15 Marks)
(c) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India's strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of China in Asia. Discuss. (15 Marks)
Q7. (a) "India's Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy." Discuss. (20 Marks)
(b) What steps has India taken to regain its foothold in Afghanistan since the Taliban has taken over the country in August 2021? (15 Marks)
(c) What are the challenges and limitations in India - Iran relations? (15 Marks)
Q8. (a) What are the external determinants of the Foreign Policy of a State? (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss the significance of "West Asia Quad" in the light of India's 'Look West' policy. (15 Marks)
(c) Discuss the major drivers of India's interests in Africa. (15 Marks)